Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome

Overview

Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome (ICE) is a grouping of three closely linked conditions: Iris Nevus (or Cogan-Reese Syndrome), Chandler’s Syndrome and Essential Progressive Iris Syndrome. There are three main features of ICE: visible changes of the iris, swelling of the cornea and the development of glaucoma, which can cause severe vision loss.

Warning Signs & Symptoms

ICE causes corneal swelling, distortion of the iris and variable degrees of distortion of the pupil, the adjustable opening at the center of the iris that allows varying amounts of light to enter the eye. This cell movement also plugs the fluid outflow channels of the eye, causing glaucoma.

Treatment/Procedures

While it is not yet known how to keep ICE syndrome from progressing, the glaucoma associated with the disease can be treated with medication, and a corneal transplant can treat the corneal swelling.

Prevention

The cause and prevention of this disease is unknown.

Rehabilitation

If a corneal transplant is required, the patient must wear an eye patch for a certain period of time, which protects the new cornea from injury. Eye drops are required to prevent rejection of the transplant, and full vision recovery may take up to a year.