Phthisis bulbi
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| Phthisis bulbi | |
|---|---|
| Synonyms | End-stage eye, Shrunken eye |
| Pronounce | N/A |
| Specialty | Ophthalmology |
| Symptoms | Vision loss, eye pain, eye redness, shrunken eye |
| Complications | Blindness, cosmetic disfigurement |
| Onset | Variable |
| Duration | Permanent |
| Types | N/A |
| Causes | Severe eye injury, inflammation, infection, retinal detachment, glaucoma |
| Risks | Eye trauma, untreated eye disease |
| Diagnosis | Clinical examination, imaging studies |
| Differential diagnosis | Microphthalmia, enophthalmos |
| Prevention | N/A |
| Treatment | Prosthetic eye, enucleation, pain management |
| Medication | N/A |
| Prognosis | Poor for vision recovery |
| Frequency | Rare |
| Deaths | N/A |
Phthisis bulbi is a degenerative condition of the eye characterized by shrinkage and disorganization of the intraocular contents. It is the end stage of various severe ocular diseases and injuries, leading to a non-functional eye.
Pathophysiology[edit]
Phthisis bulbi results from severe damage to the eye that leads to chronic inflammation, scarring, and atrophy of the ocular tissues. The condition can follow trauma, infection, or advanced glaucoma, among other causes. The eye becomes shrunken and disorganized, often with calcification and ossification of the intraocular structures.
Causes[edit]
Phthisis bulbi can be caused by:
- Severe ocular trauma
- Chronic uveitis
- Advanced glaucoma
- Complications from eye surgery
- Infections such as endophthalmitis
- Retinal detachment with prolonged duration
Clinical Features[edit]
The clinical presentation of phthisis bulbi includes:
- A shrunken, disorganized eye
- Loss of vision
- Pain, which may be present in some cases
- Calcification or ossification within the eye
Diagnosis[edit]
Diagnosis of phthisis bulbi is primarily clinical, based on the history of ocular disease or trauma and the characteristic appearance of the eye. Imaging studies such as ultrasound or CT scan may be used to assess the extent of calcification or ossification.
Management[edit]
Management of phthisis bulbi focuses on alleviating symptoms and improving cosmetic appearance. Options include:
- Enucleation or evisceration if the eye is painful
- Fitting of a prosthetic eye for cosmetic purposes
Prognosis[edit]
Phthisis bulbi is an irreversible condition, and the affected eye is non-functional. The prognosis depends on the underlying cause and the presence of any complications.
Prevention[edit]
Preventive measures focus on early treatment of ocular diseases and injuries to prevent progression to phthisis bulbi. This includes prompt management of infections, control of intraocular pressure in glaucoma, and timely surgical intervention when necessary.
