Anterior Segment Necrosis

Abstract

Necrosis of structures in the anterior segment of the eye has been observed after surgery for retinal detachment.^1,2 It usually begins two to five days after operation as a diffuse corneal edema with striate keratopathy and iridocyclitis. The cornea may be so swollen that the anterior chamber is greatly shallowed. The eye becomes very soft. These acute changes are followed by atrophy of the iris stroma, a posterior ring synechia, partial closure of the filtration angle by peripheral anterior synechiae, and cataract formation, or the development of a vascularized opacification of the cornea. Hyphema and persistent choroidal detachment are other frequent complications, and some eyes eventually become phthisical. Excessive diathermy over the long ciliary arteries has been suggested as an important causative factor.³ This study has been conducted to investigate the effects of diathermy and cryotherapy on the long ciliary arteries and nerves of the rabbit (Fig 1-5).