Synechiae ( adhesions ) are eye conditions in which the iris adheres to either the cornea (i.e., the anterior synechia) or the lens (i.e., the posterior synechia). Synechia can be caused by eye injury, uveitis, or iridocyclitis and can lead to certain types of glaucoma . It is sometimes noticeable upon careful examination, but, as a rule, is much more visible with an ophthalmoscope or a slit lamp .
| Eye diseases | |
|---|---|
 Rear synechia. Part of the iris adhered to the lens is visible. | |
| ICD-10 | H 21.5 |
| ICD-9 | 364.7 |
The anterior synechia gives rise to angle-closure glaucoma , due to the fact that the iris closes the drainage path for aqueous humor , which leads to an increase in intraocular pressure. The posterior synechia can also lead to glaucoma , but in a different way. With posterior synechia, the iris , adhering to the lens , blocks the flow of aqueous humor from the posterior chamber to the anterior chamber. This blockage of drainage increases intraocular pressure.
Management
Mydriatic or cycloplegic agents, such as gomatropin, which is similar in effect to atropine , when used topically, are helpful in overcoming and preventing the formation of posterior synechia, keeping the pupil dilated and distant from the lens. A pupil dilator in the eye with synechia can lead to an irregular (not round) pupil shape. If the pupil can be fully opened during treatment of inflammation of the iris, the prognosis for getting rid of synechia is positive. It is treatable.
Topical corticosteroids are used to combat inflammation. If intraocular pressure is elevated, then PGAs such as Travatan Z are used.