Aniridia
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Aniridia aka absence of an iris
This is somewhat a misnomer because there is always some amount of iris tissue present. This condition commonly presents with other ocular problems that involve the other parts of the eye such as cataract, lens subluxation, glaucoma, optic nerve hypoplasia, and foveal hypoplasia. The latter two results in poor vision.
Prophylaxis in patients with aniridia is directed toward the prevention of glaucoma, which includes the following:
- Medical treatment with miotics
- Surgical separation of the iris from the trabecular meshwork in selected cases
Limbal stem cell deficiency associated with aniridia can be treated with the following:
- Lubricating drops
- Topical steroid pulses
- Vitamin A ointments
- Autologous serum drops
- Topical bevacizumab drops
- Limbal stem cell transplantation
The medical treatment of aniridia is directed toward control of intraocular pressure, which includes the topical use of the following:
- Miotics
- Beta-blockers
- Sympathomimetics
- Carbonic anhydrase inhibitors
- Prostaglandin analogues
The chances of failure with local antiglaucoma treatment are high.
Treatment of photophobia and nystagmus in patients with aniridia is as follows:
- Tinted or iris contact lenses
- Tinted spectacle lenses
- Tinted intraocular lenses (IOLs)
By the above measures, reducing the amplitude and frequency of nystagmus is possible.
Dr. Barbara Roque
Dr. Barbara Roque is a an ophthalmologist whose practice includes general ophthalmology (which includes cataract surgery) with subspecialty work in pediatric ophthalmology, strabismus and ophthalmic genetics.
