Synechiae in the eye are adhesions where tissues inappropriately stick together.
Understanding Synechiae
Synechiae, the plural form of synechia, occur when the iris, the colored part of your eye containing the pupil, adheres to other eye tissues. Normally, the iris moves freely, but with synechiae, it becomes stuck to either the:
- Clear tissue in front: This refers to the cornea, the clear front surface of the eye.
- Clear tissue behind it: This is typically the lens, located behind the iris.
This sticking is not normal and can lead to several eye issues.
Types of Synechiae
There are two primary types of synechiae:
- Anterior Synechiae: Occurs when the iris adheres to the cornea or the trabecular meshwork, a crucial part of the eye's drainage system.
- Posterior Synechiae: Happens when the iris sticks to the lens behind it.
Causes of Synechiae
Several factors can lead to the development of synechiae, such as:
- Eye inflammation (uveitis): Inflammation inside the eye can cause the iris to become sticky.
- Eye injuries: Trauma to the eye may lead to adhesions.
- Eye surgery complications: Some surgical procedures can increase the risk of synechiae.
- Certain eye conditions: Conditions like narrow-angle glaucoma are associated with synechiae.
Consequences of Synechiae
The impact of synechiae varies:
- Pupil changes: Synechiae can cause the pupil to become irregular in shape or unable to dilate or constrict properly.
- Increased eye pressure: Especially anterior synechiae can block fluid drainage, raising eye pressure and possibly contributing to glaucoma.
- Vision disturbances: Depending on the location and extent of synechiae, it can lead to blurred vision or other visual changes.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity of synechiae:
- Anti-inflammatory medication: Eye drops containing steroids or other medications can help reduce inflammation.
- Dilating eye drops: These can help break adhesions and prevent them from reoccurring.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to physically separate the adhered tissues.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Definition | Adhesions where eye tissues abnormally stick together. |
| Location | Iris adheres to cornea, trabecular meshwork, or lens. |
| Types | Anterior and Posterior Synechiae. |
| Common Causes | Inflammation, injury, surgery complications, and certain eye conditions. |
| Potential Effects | Pupil changes, increased eye pressure, and vision disturbances. |
| Treatment | Medications or surgery. |
