High prevalence of plateau iris configuration in family members of patients with plateau iris syndrome.

PURPOSE: The purpose of the study was to ascertain the prevalence of plateau iris syndrome in the first-degree relatives of those patients affected with plateau iris syndrome.

METHODS: All patients seen with plateau iris syndrome over a 5-year period were identified. These patients were approached for participation and first-degree family members above 18 years of age were screened. All people identified with plateau iris configuration underwent ultrasound biomicroscopy to document and confirm the angle configuration and subsequent gonioscopy after laser iridotomies.

RESULTS: Sixteen patients were identified; 3 refused to participate, 2 were unable to be contacted, and 1 withdrew after initially consenting to participate. In this case, the patient agreed to participate, but all her living first-degree family members refused to be screened. Among the 10 patients whose living first-degree relatives were screened, we found 5 families with at least 1 additional first-degree family member having plateau iris syndrome.

CONCLUSIONS: Some families have more than 1 member with plateau iris syndrome. The pattern of inheritance resembles an autosomal dominant pattern with incomplete penetrance.