Photo Atlas of Ocular Disease

Review of Optometry has created the following new resource—a photo atlas of ocular diseases across the entire spectrum of eye care. In addition to over 200 high-quality photos, you'll find clinical pearls for each condition and links to relevant articles that provide detailed guidance.

An index of the entire atlas can be found here or you can check out the conditions featured in their respective categories:

“Start on the outside and work your way in” has been the mantra of optometric educators, and that includes examination of the conjunctiva, cornea and iris. While it is easy to breeze by these structures on the way to the retina, the anterior segment holds vital information on the well-being of the patient. Inflammation, infection and malignancy may point to greater systemic concerns, as well as sight-threatening disease.

Under low magnification, the bulbar conjunctiva/sclera should appear white and moist. Non-wetting areas may point to exposure, vitamin deficiencies, functional eyelid anomalies or systemic autoimmune diseases. Color changes could reflect liver conditions (yellow), ultraviolet/exposure damage (pinguecula, yellow), the potential for malignancy (primary acquired melanosis, brown; squamous cell carcinoma, pink). Dilated vessels, as well as chemosis, indicate inflammation and the root cause—such as infection, immune or dry eye—should be sought out. 

The papillary conjunctiva should be free of inflammation and structural changes as well. 

The visual examination of the cornea should go from the epithelium to the endothelium, as well as scanning the limbus 360 degrees. The cornea should be free of vessels (deep and superficial), infiltrates and foreign body material/deposits. It should have a uniform thickness, without thinning, edema, striae, folds or guttae. Additional testing with topography, OCT and specular microscopy are helpful for closer examination and to meet diagnostic criteria for many anterior segment diseases.

Like the cornea, the iris also benefits from both visual and tomographic examinations—for instance, to rule out neovascular and malignant lesions. In addition, gonioscopy is helpful for viewing the angle for the eye, which is a necessity for glaucoma management, post trauma evaluation and tumor concerns.

The anterior segment is easy to photodocument for comparison and communication. Below, we share dozens of images of the disorders that can befall the structures of the anterior segment from a vast array of etiologies.

Feel free to click the condition that interests you to jump to it, or scroll to look through all the conditions.

Limbal stem cell deficiency

Neurotrophic keratitis

Arcus senilis

Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy

Lisch dystrophy

Schnyder’s dystrophy

Lattice dystrophy

Granular dystrophy

Reis-Bucklers

Central corneal dystrophy of François

Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy

Terrien’s marginal degeneration

Keratoconus

Hydrops

Mooren’s ulcer

Exposure keratopathy

Dellen

Graft-vs-host disease

Verticillata

HSV keratouveitis

HSV keratitis

Filamentary keratitis

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis

Pseudomonas keratitis

Microbial keratitis 

Marginal keratitis

Acanthamoeba keratitis

Fusarium ulcer

Pinguecula

Pterygium

Limbal dermoid

Conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasm

Pyogenic granuloma

Follicular conjunctivitis

Conjunctival cyst

Giant papillary conjunctivitis

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis

Subconjunctival hemorrhage

Scleral thinning

Gonorrhea conjunctivitis

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia

Firework injury

Symblepharon

Amelanotic melanoma

Conjunctival melanoma

Conjunctival chemosis

Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis

Nevus of Ota

Iris sphincter tear

Iridodialysis

Traumatic pupil

Angle recession 

Rubeosis iridis

Keratic precipitates

Iris melanocytosis

Ectropion uvea


 

 

 

 


Limbal stem cell deficiency

Limbal stem cell deficiency
Photo: Alison Bozung, OD. Click image to enlarge.

LSCD occurs when damage to the limbal niche allows for conjunctivalization of the cornea.

Suggested reading:

Corneoscleral Concerns: Trouble at the Border

Transplantation for Limbal Stem Cell Deficiency

 

 

 

Neurotrophic keratitis

Neurotrophic keratitis
Photo: Alison Bozung, OD. Click image to enlarge.

Characterized by poor epithelial healing and reduced sensation, neurotrophic keratitis results from damage to corneal nerves.

Suggested reading:

Hurt Feelings

Take On Neurotrophic Keratitis With These Clinical Tools

Grow Some Nerve

 

 

 

Arcus senilis

Arcus senilis
Photo: Paul Karpecki, OD. Click image to enlarge.

In arcus senilis, age-related deposition of lipids occurs in response to increased permeability of limbal blood vessels.

Suggested reading:

Encircling the Arcus

Raiders of the Lost Arcus

 

 

 

Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy

Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy
Photos: Mitch Ibach, OD. Click image to enlarge.
Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy
Click image to enlarge.

Epithelial basement membrane dystrophy, considered more of a degenerative condition due to its weak genetic association, presents with grayish dots and lines (first image). Thickened epithelium may be noted (second image, from a different patient).

Suggested reading:

Detailing the Dystrophies

Unlocking the Mystery of Corneal Dystrophies

 

 

 

Lisch dystrophy

Lisch dystrophy
Photo: Aaron Bronner, OD. Click image to enlarge.

Lisch dystrophy produces feathery clusters of microcystic epithelial tissue in a whorled pattern sweeping centrally from the limbus.

Suggested reading:

Keep an Eye Out

Detailing the Dystrophies

Unlocking the Mystery of Corneal Dystrophies

 



Schnyder’s dystrophy

Schnyder’s dystrophy
Photo: Suzanne Sherman, OD. Click image to enlarge.

Schnyder’s dystrophy presents in the first decade of life with central disciform opacities often surrounded by a dense arcus.

Suggested reading:

Detailing the Dystrophies

Corneal Dystrophies Front to Back

 



Lattice dystrophy

Lattice dystrophy
Photo: Paul Karpecki, OD. Click image to enlarge.
Lattice dystrophy
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Lattice dystrophy represents deposition of amyloid in the anterior stroma, which forms a characteristic branching linear pattern. Most cases are inherited as an autosomal dominant trait (type I), but a rarer form arises from systemic amyloidosis (type II).

Suggested reading:

Genetic Test For Corneal Risk

Detailing the Dystrophies

 

 

 

Granular dystrophy

Granular dystrophy
Photo: Stephanie Fromstein, OD. Click image to enlarge.
Granular dystrophy
Photo: Mitch Ibach, OD. Click image to enlarge.

In granular dystrophy type I (first photo), hyaline deposits form in the anterior stroma, eventually becoming more confluent as it progresses. Type II or Avellino dystrophy (second photo) also features lattice-like lesions of the mid-posterior stroma; however, these branches do not cross.

Suggested reading:

Detailing the Dystrophies

Corneal Dystrophies Front to Back




Reis-Bucklers

Reis-Bucklers
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Reis-Bucklers causes reticular opacities in Bowman’s that become less discrete over time, later extending into the stroma.

Suggested reading:

Born This Way

Unlocking the Mystery of Corneal Dystrophies





Central corneal dystrophy of François

Central corneal dystrophy of François
Photo: Suzanne Sherman, OD. Click image to enlarge.

CCDF possesses autosomal dominant inheritance with onset during the first or second decade of life. Often, it is described as appearing similar to crocodile shagreen. Signs include translucent, scaly polygonal or rounded opacities residing deep within the stroma and are surrounded by clear tissue. It has also been described as a fluffy opacity, appearing as cracked ice. 

Suggested reading:

Dystrophy Dilemma

Detailing the Dystrophies




Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy

Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy
Photos: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.
Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy
Click image to enlarge.
Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy
Click image to enlarge.

Fuchs’ endothelial corneal dystrophy (FECD), a bilateral genetic dystrophy characterized by progressing guttae leading to corneal edema and blurred vision. Patients may complain of worse vision in the morning, halos, dry eye and photophobia. In late-stage FECD with chronic corneal edema, patients may develop painful bullae.

Suggested reading:

Rethinking Endothelial Repair

Detailing the Dystrophies




Terrien’s marginal degeneration

Terrien’s marginal degeneration
Photos: Rami Aboumourad, OD. Click image to enlarge.
Terrien’s marginal degeneration
Click image to enlarge.
Terrien’s marginal degeneration
Click image to enlarge.

Terrien’s marginal degeneration is a progressive peripheral corneal disorder characterized by a paucity of inflammation in the setting of painless corneal thinning. Most patients have superior thinning with stromal lipid deposition and an overlying intact epithelium. Patients often develop high corneal astigmatism and may develop complications such as corneal perforation.

Suggested reading:

Corneoscleral Concerns: Trouble at the Border

Spread Too Thin



Keratoconus

Keratoconus
Photo: Irving Martinez-Navé, OD. Click image to enlarge.
Keratoconus
Click image to enlarge.

In keratoconus, thinning of the cornea produces anterior bulging in a conical form, sometimes visible on gross examination (first photo). At the slit lamp, look for Munson’s sign (second photo), as well as Vogt’s striae and Fleischer rings.

Suggested reading:

A New Consensus on Keratoconus

A New Era of Keratoconus Care

Trends, Challenges and Controversies in Keratoconus

Keratoconus: What Surprises the Experts?

 



Hydrops

Hydrops
Photo: Alison Bozung, OD. Click image to enlarge.

Acute corneal hydrops occurs when a break in Descemet’s membrane allows for stromal edema, seen here in keratoconus.

Suggested reading:

Stop, Drop and Roll with It

How to Stop Hydrops

Hydrops it Like it’s Hot

 

 

Mooren’s ulcer

Mooren’s ulcer
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Mooren’s ulcer, a circumferential corneal thinning near the limbus caused by immune-mediated eye disease.

Suggested reading:

Corneoscleral Concerns: Trouble at the Border

Lesson: Pathologic Causes of Irregular Astigmatism




Exposure keratopathy

Exposure keratopathy
Photo: Alison Bozung, OD. Click image to enlarge.

Exposure keratopathy in this case resulted from a severe surgically induced cicatricial ectropion.

Suggested reading:

The Compromised Cornea: Take Cover

Uncomfortably Numb

 



Dellen

Dellen
Photos: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.
Dellen
Click image to enlarge.

Dellen is a form of localized corneal thinning caused by desiccation. The condition is most commonly associated with contact lens wear or conjunctival masses, which disrupt the normal tear film.

Suggested reading:

Corneoscleral Concerns: Trouble at the Border

 



Graft-vs-host disease

Graft-vs-host disease
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Graft-vs-host disease in an allogenic bone marrow stem cell recipient with immune-mediated destruction of the ocular surface.

Suggested reading:

Graft-vs.-host Disease: How, Why and What Next

Not So Benign OSD

 



Verticillata

Verticillata
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Verticillata from amiodarone use. Deposits form in the inferior corneal basal epithelium and branch out from a central whorl.

Suggested reading:

Don’t Be Scared by the Whirlwind

An Unexpected Twist

Know Your Systemic Meds: The Top 10 to Track

 



HSV keratouveitis

HSV keratouveitis

Photo: Aaron Bronner, OD. Click image to enlarge.

HSV keratouveitis is an uncommon but severe manifestation of corneal herpetic disease.

Suggested reading:

Herpetic Keratouveitis Front to Back

Be a Hero to Your HSVK Patients




HSV keratitis

HSV keratitis

Photos: Alison Bozung, OD. Click image to enlarge.

HSV keratitis
Click image to enlarge.

Epithelial (first photo) and interstitial (second photo) HSV keratitis. Herpes simplex can take on many forms in the cornea including (but not limited to) classic “dendrites” as seen on the left  image, stromal vascularization seen on the right and endotheliitis with corneal edema.

Suggested reading:

A Game Plan for Treating Corneal Infections

Be a Hero to Your HSVK Patients

Herpes Simplex Keratitis: Managing the Masquerader

 



Filamentary keratitis

Filamentary keratitis

Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

In filamentary keratitis, strands composed of epithelium, mucus and cellular debris form secondary to desiccation.

Suggested reading:

Fighting Filamentary Keratitis

Don't Let FK Get Carried Away

 



Peripheral ulcerative keratitis

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Peripheral ulcerative keratitis is an inflammation of the peripheral cornea with destruction of the epithelium and stroma.

Suggested reading:

Corneoscleral Concerns: Trouble at the Border

Understanding Corneal Ulcers and Infiltrates

 

 

 

Pseudomonas keratitis

Pseudomonas keratitis
Photos: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.
Pseudomonas keratitis
Click image to enlarge.

Pseudomonas keratitis (first photo) with hypopyon (second photo). This gram-negative pathogen often associated with contact lens wear presents with a ring of polymorphonuclear neutrophils around a central lesion.

Suggested reading:

A Game Plan for Treating Corneal Infections

Understanding Corneal Ulcers and Infiltrates

Lesson: Trends in Infectious Keratitis



Microbial keratitis 

Microbial keratitis
Photos: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.
Microbial keratitis
Click image to enlarge.

Microbial keratitis viewed with white light and fluorescein. In such cases, look for signs of a serious pathogen, including an infiltrate >1mm, presence of two or more lesions, central location, anterior chamber reaction and feathery borders.

Suggested reading:

Keeping up with Keratitis

A Game Plan for Treating Corneal Infections

Managing Microbial Keratitis

The Dangers and the Diagnosis of CLMK




Marginal keratitis

Marginal keratitis
Photo: Alison Bozung, OD. Click image to enlarge.

This case of marginal keratitis has peripheral infiltrates with largely intact epithelium in a patient with blepharitis.

Suggested reading:

Understanding Corneal Ulcers and Infiltrates

Starting From Scratch

The Dangers and the Diagnosis of CLMK




Acanthamoeba keratitis

Acanthamoeba keratitis
Photos: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.
Acanthamoeba keratitis
Click image to enlarge.
Consider a possible diagnosis of AK in any case where the pain out weighs the symptoms. AK often presents as diffuse punctate keratitis days or weeks before appearance of the classic stromal ring.

Suggested reading:

Keeping up with Keratitis

A Game Plan for Treating Corneal Infections

https://www.reviewofoptometry.com/article/contact-contaminators

The Dangers and the Diagnosis of CLMK




Fusarium ulcer

Fusarium ulcer
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Consider the potential for fungal keratitis whenever multiple lesions are present.

Suggested reading:

Fighting Fungal Keratitis

A Game Plan for Treating Corneal Infections

Find Infectious Keratitis’s Root

Infiltrative Keratitis: Fight the Battle for  Corneal Clarity




Pinguecula

 

Pinguecula
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Pinguecula results from normal collagen replacement by thicker fibers when exposed to dryness and UV light.

Suggested reading:

Put a Red Eye Back in the Pink

The Conjunctiva Up Close




Pterygium

Pterygium
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Pterygium, also a response to UV light exposure, shows fibrovascular tissue crossing the limbal border onto the cornea.

Suggested reading:

Addressing Pterygium in Optometric Practice

Corneal Optics are Significantly Affected by Pterygium




Limbal dermoid

Limbal dermoid
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Limbal dermoids are benign tumors that histologically may contain connective tissue, skin, fat, hair follicles and sweat glands.

Suggested reading:

Is This Lump a Threat?




Conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasm

Conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasm
Photos: Aaron Bronner, OD. Click image to enlarge.
Conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasm
Click image to enlarge.

Conjunctival intraepithelial neoplasm (CIN), the most frequently encountered conjunctival neoplastic growth, is often misdiagnosed as more typical ocular surface growths like pinguecula or pterygium. These lesions are slowly progressive, locally invasive and have no metastatic potential. CIN is part of the spectrum of neoplastic disorders of the conjunctiva and cornea known collectively as ocular surface squamous neoplasia. If CIN becomes invasive by breaking through basement membrane, it is reclassified as invasive squamous cell carcinoma.

Suggested reading:

Is That Conjunctival Lesion Cancerous?

A Guide to Conjunctival Tumors

Did You Miss a Spot?




Pyogenic granuloma

Pyogenic granuloma
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Pyogenic granuloma is a rapidly growing tissue hypertrophy secondary to an inflammatory agent.

Suggested reading:

The Red Menace

Keep it PG

A Bump in the Road




Follicular conjunctivitis

Follicular conjunctivitis
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Follicular conjunctivitis is an immunogenic activation of lymphoid follicles associated with many pathogens, drugs and allergies.

Suggested reading:

The Conjunctivitis Conundrum

The Conjunctiva in Crisis: Ocular Irritation Unmasked

Conjunctivitis: Making the Call




Conjunctival cyst

Conjunctival cyst
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Conjunctival cysts are harmless, painless fluid-filled vacuoles found on the ocular conjunctiva.

Suggested reading:

Growing Pains

Is This Lump a Threat?

 



Giant papillary conjunctivitis

Giant papillary conjunctivitis
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

GPC, characterized by papillary hypertrophy of the superior tarsal conjunctiva, is on the decline thanks to daily disposable contact lens use, but can manifest in allergy cases.

Suggested reading:

The Conjunctiva Up Close

Rethinking GPC: A New Look at an Old Problem

 

 

 

Vernal keratoconjunctivitis

Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
Photos: Alison Bozung, OD. Click image to enlarge.
Vernal Keratoconjunctivitis
Click image to enlarge.

Cobblestone-like papillae (first photo) are a hallmark of vernal keratoconjunctivitis. This teenage patient endorsed intense itching and ocular discomfort. The patient also had developed a small shield ulcer and had small Horner-Trantas dots visible at the limbus (second photo).

Suggested reading:

A Disease for All Seasons

Conjunctivitis: Making the Call

The Conjunctivitis Conundrum




Subconjunctival hemorrhage

Subconjunctival hemorrhage
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Subconjunctival hemorrhage is a benign finding of trapped blood commonly from Valsalva maneuvers or anticoagulant use.

Suggested reading:

A Well-Red Patient

Red Eye Remedies: New and Tried-and-True

Red Eye Roundup




Scleral thinning

Scleral thinning
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Scleral thinning in HSV scleritis. Differential includes congenital/degenerative diseases, immunocompromise, infection and trauma.

Suggested reading:

My Patient Has Scleritis...Now What?

When Scleritis is Infectious




Gonorrhea conjunctivitis

Gonorrhea conjunctivitis
Photo: Alison Bozung, OD. Click image to enlarge.

Gonorrhea conjunctivitis is a hyper-purulent conjunctivitis with rapid onset. Patients require systemic treatment.

Suggested reading:

The Conjunctiva Up Close

The Conjunctivitis Conundrum




Ocular surface squamous neoplasia

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia
Photos: Alison Bozung, OD. Click image to enlarge.
Ocular surface squamous neoplasia
Click image to enlarge.
Click image to enlarge.
Ocular surface squamous neoplasia
Click image to enlarge.

Ocular surface squamous neoplasia (OSSN) is an umbrella term for an array of abnormal growths, and lacks well-defined characteristics as a result. The left photo shows a case of leukoplakic OSSN at the limbus. The center and right images show opalescent, flat corneal lesions. The AS-OCT highlights abrupt transitions between normal and irregular epithelium despite lacking significant thickness.

Suggested reading:

A Guide to Conjunctival Tumors

Is That Conjunctival Lesion Cancerous?

When a Red Eye Prompts a Red Alert




Firework injury

Firework injury
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Fireworks may cause globe rupture, chemical or thermal burns as well as corneal abrasion and retinal detachments.

Suggested reading:

Beware the Rockets’ Red Glare




Symblepharon

 

Symblepharon
Photos: Alison Bozung, OD. Click image to enlarge.
Symblepharon
Click image to enlarge.

The first photo shows adherence of the bulbar and palpebral conjunctivae, or symblepharon, in a patient who would later be diagnosed with ocular cicatricial pemphigoid. The second shows severe symblepharon in an advanced case of ectodermal dysplasia.

Suggested reading:

Systemic Disease Rising to the Surface

Not So Benign OSD

 

 

Amelanotic melanoma

Amelanotic melanoma
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

This is a rare subtype of melanoma where the melanocytes fail to produce melanin.

Suggested reading:

A Guide to Conjunctival Tumors

Is That Conjunctival Lesion Cancerous?




Conjunctival melanoma

Conjunctival melanoma
Photos: University of Iowa; Carol Shields, MD. Click image to enlarge.
Conjunctival melanoma
Click image to enlarge.
Conjunctival melanoma
Click image to enlarge.

Seen in the first photo is a typical conjunctival melanoma. Often, large feeder vessels will surround the pigmented area. These lesions can also be non-pigmented (second photo) or mixed pigmented/non-pigmented (third photo).

Suggested reading:

A Guide to Conjunctival Tumors

Is That Conjunctival Lesion Cancerous?




Conjunctival chemosis

Conjunctival chemosis
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Severe conjunctival chemosis experienced by a burn victim who received copious fluid administration.

Suggested reading:

The Conjunctiva Up Close

Distinguish The Rare Conjunctival Tumor




Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Photos: Alison Bozung, OD. Click image to enlarge.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Click image to enlarge.
Stevens-Johnson syndrome
Click image to enlarge.

This young male presented with red, painful eyes in the setting of a recent Stevens-Johnson syndrome reaction to a medication. There is inflammatory epithelial sloughing along the mucous membranes including the mucocutaneous eyelid margins and bulbar conjunctiva. This condition may cause  blindness due to ocular surface scarring and must be treated aggressively. Cases with more extensive systemic/skin involvement would be considered toxic epidermal necrolysis, a condition that can be fatal.

 



Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis

Epidemic keratoconjunctivitis
Photo: Alison Bozung, OD. Click image to enlarge.

EKC is often seen with pseudomembranes (stained with NaFl here) and subepithelial infiltrates.

Suggested reading:

Red Herring

The Conjunctivitis Conundrum

The Conjunctiva Up Close

Can’t Get the Red Out




Nevus of Ota

Nevus of Ota
Photos: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.
Nevus of Ota
Click image to enlarge.

Nevus of Ota (also called oculodermal melanosis) is a congenital hyperpigmentation of the sclera. The condition is usually benign but it may have a malignant transformation. Increased suspicion for eventual glaucoma development in these cases is also appropriate.

Suggested reading:

A Guide to Conjunctival Tumors

 



Iris sphincter tear

Iris sphincter tear
Photo: Alison Bozung, OD. Click image to enlarge.

Iris sphincter tears from blunt trauma may cause an irregular pupillary margin and permanent dilation.

Suggested reading:

Pupil Testing: Implications for Diagnosis

 

 

 

Iridodialysis

Iridodialysis
Photo: Alison Bozung, OD. Click image to enlarge.

In iridodialysis, the iris separates from the scleral spur. This patient was involved in a motor vehicle accident.

Suggested reading:

Getting Hosed

Cut at the Root




Traumatic pupil

Traumatic pupil
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Traumatic pupil represents a traumatic mydriasis that occurs in response to blunt force trauma.

Suggested reading:

Getting Hosed




Angle recession 

Angle recession
Photos: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.
Angle recession
Click image to enlarge.

Development of angle recession following blunt ocular trauma may cause glaucoma days or years after the injury.

Suggested reading:

Gonioscopy: A Simple Tool, Too Often Forgotten

Zoom in on Gonioscopy

 
 

Rubeosis iridis

Rubeosis iridis
Photos: Mohammad Rafieetary, OD. Click image to enlarge.
Rubeosis iridis
Click image to enlarge.

Rubeosis iridis requires careful evaluation to detect, as it may present very subtly, often initially at the pupillary margin. Gonioscopy may detect neovascularization in the angle. IVFA of the iris may be helpful to show hyperfluorescence from the irregular vasculature.

Suggested reading:

Neovascular Glaucoma Stages

Managing Neovascular Glaucoma

 


Keratic precipitates

Keratic precipitates
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Keratic precipitates in iridocyclitis are polymorphonuclear cells and lymphocytes located on the corneal endothelium.

Suggested reading:

The Many Moods of Uveitis

Practical Pearls for Managing Anterior Uveitis

Glaucomatocyclitic Crisis: A Not-So-Benign Disease?

 
 

Iris melanocytosis

Iris melanocytosis
Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Though usually considered benign, iris melanocytosis carries an increased lifetime risk for melanoma.

Suggested reading:

Watch That Splotch

Earlier Detection of Iris Melanocytic Tumors Needed

 


Ectropion uvea

Ectropion uvea

Photo: University of Iowa. Click image to enlarge.

Ectropion uvea may be acquired or congenital. Acquired cases may rise from inflammation, ischemia or neoplasm.

Suggested reading: