Phthisis bulbi

SpecialtyOphthalmology SymptomsShrunken eye with little or no functionCausesEye surgeryRisk factorsEye injury, Eye surgery, eye diseasePreventionBy treating the condition before the eye goes to pthisisTreatmentSurgeryPrognosisUsually permanent blindness in affected eyeDeaths0

Phthisis bulbi is a shrunken,^[1] non-functional eye. It may result from severe eye disease, inflammation^[2] or injury, or it may represent a complication of eye surgery.^[3] Treatment options include insertion of a prosthesis, which may be preceded by enucleation of the eye.^[4][5]

Symptoms

The affected eye is shrunken, and has little to no vision. The intraocular pressure in the affected eye is very low or nonexistent. The layers in the eye may be fused together, thickened, or edematous. The eyelids may be glued shut. The eye may be soft when palpated.^[6] Under a microscope there may be deposits of calcium or bone, and the lens is often affected by cataracts.^[7]

Causes

It can be caused by injury, including burns to the eye, or long-term eye disease or inflammation. End-stage glaucoma can cause it. It can often complicate eye surgery.^[6] Other common causes include cancer, retinal detachment, vascular lesions, infection, and inflammation.^[7]

Treatment

Treatment for the affected eye is often futile. Usually, treatment is to end the pain in the affected eye and for cosmetic purposes, not to restore vision.^[7] It can be removed, a procedure called enucleation of the eye. Sometimes, though, it is possible to transplant only parts of the eye, and some vision can be restored.^[6]

References

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