Aniridia, Traumatic

Synonyms

Traumatic iris loss

Definition

Partial or total loss of iris tissue due to ocular trauma.

Etiology

Traumatic aniridia is the result in open globe injuries after extrusion of iris tissue through the wound. The loss of tissue itself is due to either direct mechanical force during the trauma or secondary due to ischemia and necrosis. Often, during primary reconstructive surgery in open globe injuries prolapsed necrotic iris tissue is removed. In rare cases of extreme blunt force trauma, a total iridodialysis may occur, even if there was no open globe injury.

Clinical Presentation

Segments of the iris or the total iris are missing giving views of the lens or posterior chamber and vitreous.

Diagnostics

If the cornea is clear, diagnosis of traumatic aniridia is straightforward. It may be difficult or impossible in cases of corneal edema, corneal scarring, hematocornea, or hyphema which are often present after severe ocular trauma. In those cases, ultrasonic examination of the...