Eye Conditions and Diseases

Dr. Eldon R Repsher
Optometrist

5832 N Main St Joplin, MO 64801
(417) 623-7900 | Email

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Iris Atrophy
A thinning or total loss of iris pigment, often displacing the pupil.

If we suspect an ocular condition or disease,
we will immediately schedule or perform
diagnostic tests to determined our next steps.

Iris changes (atrophy, corectopia, polycoria, ectropion uvea) Contraction of corneal endothelial cells that have advanced on to the iris can result in these degenerative changes.

Patients with good visual potential may develop visual distortion and glare from these iris changes.

Iris atrophy is a very rare, progressive disorder of the eye characterized by a pupil that is out of place and/or distorted areas of degeneration on the iris (atrophy), and/or holes in the iris. This disorder most frequently affects only one eye (unilateral) and develops slowly over time. Attachment of portions of the iris to the cornea (peripheral anterior synechiae) and subsequent closure of the drainage angle may lead to secondary glaucoma and vision loss.

Major symptoms of iris atrophy may include a displaced and/or distorted pupil, patchy areas of degeneration (atrophy) on the iris, and/or holes in the iris. The edge of the pupil may turn outward (ectropion uvea). The onset of this disorder is gradual, and the changes in the shape and placement of the pupil are usually noticed before any change in vision occurs. Degeneration and holes in the iris may develop over a period of several years.

Other features of iris atrophy may include the attachment of portions of the iris to the cornea (peripheral anterior synechiae), swelling of the cornea (corneal edema), and/or abnormalities in the cells lining the cornea (corneal endothelium). These changes may lead to increased pressure in the eye (glaucoma) and vision loss.