Iris transillumination
Iris transillumination is a common physical signs in the slit-lamp examination. Unless you perform retro-illumination,
the signs may be missed. The distribution of the transillumination can give clue to the underlying cause.The common types of transillumination are:
- peripapillary - pseudoexfoliation syndrome
- mid-periphery - pigment dispersion syndrome
- diffuse - albinism, previous acute angle closure glaucoma, Fuchs' heterochromic cyclitis, senile iris atrophy,
post-cataract extraction
- sectorial - herpes zoster iritis ( look for scars on the forehead from previous ophthalmic shingles)
or previous iris prolapse during phacoemulsification (this is usually at the clock hour corresponding
to the entry site)
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Midperipheral iris transillumination in pigment dispersion syndrome
Return to the topDiffuse iris transillumination in albinism.
Return to the topSectorial iris transillumination in herpes zoster iritis. The feature results
from iris vasculitis. Note: the transillumination can also be diffuse if the involvement is extensive.
Return to the topSectorial iris transillumination in a patient with iris prolapse during phacoemulsification. Note the area involved corresponds to the corneal incision site for the phaco.
Return to the topDiffuse mild iris transillumination in a patient with senile iris atrophy.
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