Iridociliary apposition in plateau iris syndrome persists after cataract extraction.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the ultrasound biomicroscopic appearance of the anterior segment before and after cataract extraction in eyes with plateau iris syndrome and to determine the effect of postoperative zonular relaxation on ciliary body position.


METHODS
Interventional case series.


METHODS
Eyes with plateau iris syndrome scanned before and after cataract extraction between January 1994 and September 2001 were enrolled. The iridociliary relationship and the anterior chamber depth at a distance of 3 mm from the scleral spur were assessed.


RESULTS
We examined six eyes of six patients. Mean patient age was 74.2 +/- 6.4 years (standard deviation [SD]) (range, 65-81 years). Mean refractive error was + 1.0 +/- 3.9 diopters [D] (range, -5.75-+5.50), and mean axial length was 21.85 +/- 0.77 mm (range, 20.90-22.95 mm). All eyes had undergone laser iridotomy and argon laser peripheral iridoplasty before cataract extraction. Ultrasound biomicroscopy examination revealed a narrow angle and absence of a ciliary body sulcus in all eyes with focal areas of iridotrabecular apposition in three eyes. Following cataract extraction, the anterior chamber depth increased (P =.0006, paired t test), while the iridociliary contact remained unchanged.


CONCLUSIONS
Iridociliary apposition persists after cataract extraction in plateau iris syndrome. Whether the cause is congenital or acquired, or both, remains to be determined.
Tran
H Viet
HV
Department of Ophthalmology The New York Eye and Ear Infirmary, New York, New York 10003, USA.
Liebmann
Jeffrey M
JM
Ritch
Robert
R
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000869:Anterior Eye Segment / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging*; D002924:Ciliary Body / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D015812:Glaucoma, Angle-Closure / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging; D006801:Humans; D007498:Iris / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology* / Q000601:surgery; D007499:Iris Diseases / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D053685:Laser Therapy; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013577:Syndrome; D014463:Ultrasonography