STAPHYLOMAS

Staphyloma refers to a localised bulging of weak and thin outer tunic of the eyeball (cornea or sclera), lined by uveal tissue which shines through the thinned out fibrous coat.

Types

Anatomically it can be divided into anterior, intercalary, ciliary, equatorial and posterior staphyloma (Fig. 6.8).

1. Anterior staphyloma.

2. Intercalary staphyloma. It is the name given to the localised bulge in limbal area lined by root of iris (Figs. 6.8A and 6.9). It results due to ectasia of weak scar tissue formed at the limbus, following healing of a perforating injury or a peripheral corneal ulcer. There may be associated secondary angle closure glaucoma, which may cause progression of bulge if not treated. Defective vision occurs due to marked corneal astigmatism.