Staphyloma

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Staphyloma - Scleral Bulge Basics

  • Definition: A localized, outward bulging of the outer sclera, which is thinned and lined by uveal tissue.
  • Primary Cause: Underlying weakness of the sclera, often secondary to inflammation, injury, or progressive high myopia.

⭐ Staphyloma implies ectasia of the sclera with uveal tissue incarceration.

Etiopathogenesis - Weak Wall Origins

  • Origins of Scleral Weakness:
    • Congenital: Defective scleral development.
    • Acquired:
      • Inflammation: Severe scleritis (esp. necrotizing), endophthalmitis.
      • Trauma: Penetrating injuries.
      • Surgery: Complications from glaucoma surgery, pterygium excision (esp. with mitomycin C).
      • Degenerative: Pathological high myopia causing scleral stretching and thinning.
      • Sustained ↑IOP: Uncontrolled glaucoma (e.g., absolute glaucoma) exerting pressure.
  • Mechanism: Progressive scleral thinning and weakening, combined with or worsened by ↑IOP, results in scleral ectasia (outward bulging) lined by prolapsed uveal tissue.

⭐ Necrotizing scleritis is a common cause of anterior staphyloma.

Classification - Mapping the Bulge

📌 AICE-P: Anterior, Intercalary, Ciliary, Equatorial, Posterior.

TypeLocationEtiology/AssociationsClinical Sign
AnteriorCornea/limbusPerforating ulcer/trauma, keratectasiaEctatic cornea/limbus, iris incarceration
IntercalaryLimbus to ciliary body (ant. sclera)Scleritis, trauma, surgery, glaucomaBulge ant. sclera, iris root lining
CiliaryOver ciliary body (2-3 mm from limbus)Scleritis, trauma, absolute glaucomaBluish bulge over ciliary body, ciliary body lining
EquatorialEquator (vortex vein exits)Scleritis, degenerations (pathological myopia)Equatorial bulge, often multiple
PosteriorPosterior polePathological myopia (common), post. scleritisNot visible externally; myopic fundus, ↓VA

⭐ Posterior staphyloma is a hallmark of pathological myopia.

Clinical Features & Diagnosis - Eye Spy Swelling

  • Symptoms:
    • Decreased vision (often progressive, can be sudden)
    • Ocular pain, discomfort, or photophobia
    • Cosmetic blemish from the noticeable bulge
  • Signs:
    • Characteristic bulge: Bluish/dark coloration due to underlying uveal tissue visible through thinned sclera.
    • Scleral thinning: Palpable or visible thinning at the staphyloma site.
    • Transillumination: Positive - light transmits easily through the ectatic area.

      ⭐ Transillumination is a key clinical sign for staphyloma, indicating significant scleral thinning with uveal tissue involvement.

  • Investigations:
    • Slit-lamp biomicroscopy: Essential for detailed examination of anterior staphylomas.
    • Indirect Ophthalmoscopy: To visualize and assess posterior staphylomas.
    • B-scan ultrasonography: Confirms posterior staphyloma; shows characteristic scleral excavation and uveal tissue lining.
    • OCT (Optical Coherence Tomography): Provides detailed cross-sectional images, delineating tissue layers.

B-scan ultrasound of posterior staphyloma

Management & Complications - Patch & Protect

  • Management

    • Conservative: Treat underlying cause (e.g., scleritis), lubrication, protective eyewear.
    • Medical: Intraocular pressure (IOP) control (e.g., beta-blockers, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors) if glaucoma is a risk or present.
    • Surgical: Scleral reinforcement graft (fascia lata, donor sclera, pericardium) for impending/actual perforation or rapid progression.

      ⭐ Scleral reinforcement is indicated for rapidly progressing staphylomas or those at high risk of perforation.

  • Complications

    • Progressive myopia & astigmatism
    • Amblyopia (especially in children)
    • Retinal detachment
    • Secondary glaucoma
    • Spontaneous perforation
    • Visual loss

High‑Yield Points - ⚡ Biggest Takeaways

  • Staphyloma: An ectasia of thinned sclera lined by uveal tissue, from weakened scleral resistance.
  • Posterior staphyloma is a hallmark of pathological myopia, located at the posterior pole.
  • Anterior staphyloma involves the cornea, often after corneal perforation with iris involvement.
  • Other types by location: Intercalary (limbus), Ciliary (over ciliary body), Equatorial (at equator).
  • Presents as a dark, bluish-black bulge due to underlying pigmented uvea visible through thinned sclera.
  • Key Complications: High astigmatism, secondary glaucoma, retinal detachment (especially posterior type).

Practice Questions: Staphyloma

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Flashcards: Staphyloma

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Surgically induced _____ (SINS) may occur following any surgery involving the creation of a scleral wound

TAP TO REVEAL ANSWER

Surgically induced _____ (SINS) may occur following any surgery involving the creation of a scleral wound

necrotizing scleritis

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