Uveal effusion syndrome in nanophthalmic eye after trabeculectomy

Background: Nanophthalmos, characterized by a short axial length (14-17 mm), is a rare disease often associated with severe glaucoma. Uveal effusion is part of the clinical ophthalmologic manifestations we should keep in mind.

Methods: A nanophthalmic patient underwent trabeculectomy. Postoperatively, examination revealed a nonrhegmatogenous retinal detachment. B scan ultrasonography confirmed thickened sclera and choroidal detachment associated with subtotal retinal detachment. Retinal and choroidal detachments gradually resolved spontaneously with no surgical intervention.

Conclusions: Uveal effusion can occur after surgery in nanophthalmos. Histopathologic scleral modifications contribute to scleral inelasticity and to an increased scleral resistance to protein diffusion. Conclusions: Managing nanophthalmic patients remains complicated. A slow spontaneous resolution of retinal detachment and choroidal effusion illustrates an alternative to prophylactic or therapeutic sclerectomies.