What is synechiae in uveitis?

Synechiae are most commonly formed during states of inflammation and cellular proliferation. Patients presenting with synechiae typically have an underlying inflammatory disease process such as uveitis and will present with related symptoms, such as redness, photophobia, and/or decreased vision.

What causes posterior synechiae?

Posterior synechiae occur when fibrinous adhesions form between the lens and iris, with fibrovascular organization occurring later (see Figure 11-24). Formation of synechiae is more likely when aqueous protein content is high.

Can posterior synechiae be treated?

Posterior synechiae are at the pupil margin where the iris is adherent to the anterior lens capsule, which prevents dilation and makes cataract surgery more challenging. Cataract surgery is a good time to manage these synechiae and help restore ocular anatomy and function.

What can cause synechiae?

Synechiae can be caused by ocular trauma, iritis or iridocyclitis and may lead to certain types of glaucoma. It is sometimes visible on careful examination but usually more easily through an ophthalmoscope or slit-lamp.

Can you go blind from uveitis?

Uveitis is a general term used to describe a group of diseases that cause red eyes, eye pain and inflammation. These diseases typically affect the uvea, the eye’s middle layer. They can also affect other parts of the eye. If not treated, uveitis can cause permanent blindness or vision loss.

How is Synechiae treated?

Topical α-agonists, β-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, and prostaglandin agonists may be useful in lowering intraocular pressure in eyes with PAS. Miotics are useful in the treatment of pupil block due to primary angle-closure but may exacerbate angle closure due to posterior pushing mechanisms.

How is synechiae treated?

Can a posterior synechiae be a cause of glaucoma?

Posterior synechiae and fibrotic membranes are a cause for concern. without proper treatment, they can lead to pupil block and secondary angle-closure glaucoma. The high doses of steroids suggested here not only decrease inflammation but dissolve fibrin, allowing posterior synechiae to break.

How does the posterior synechia affect the iris?

Posterior synechiae extending for 360° (seclusio pupillae), which obstruct aqueous flow from the posterior to the anterior chamber. Fig. 8.61. The resultant increased pressure in the posterior chamber produces anterior bowing of the peripheral iris (iris bombé).

What are the side effects of posterior uveitis?

Posterior uveitis involves primary inflammation of the retina and/or choroid. Retinits and choroiditis can be focal, multifocal or diffuse.3 Vasculitis, macular edema and neovascularization are common complications seen as a result of posterior inflammation.

Where does the synechiae occur in the eye?

Synechiae are adhesions that may occur anteriorly in which the iris becomes adherent to the trabecular meshwork in the iridocorneal angle (peripheral anterior synechiae) or occur posteriorly in which the iris adheres to the anterior lens capsule (posterior synechiae).