Iris Cyst
An iris cyst looks like a brown balloon inside the eye. It can either be attached to the iris or free floating and is transparent when light shines through it. It is important to differentiate iris cysts from iris tumours. Iris tumours also look like brown masses inside the eye, but light does not pass through them and they do not float but are attached to the iris.
Animals can have either a single iris cyst or a multiple. Most of the time iris cysts cause no problems.
In horses, iris cysts often involve the corpora nigra (top of iris). This can cause head shaking and changes in behaviour.
Complications of iris cysts:
Secondary glaucoma can occur if there are lots of cysts as they can obstruct the normal exit of fluid from the eye. Great Danes and Golden Retrievers are predisposed to multiple cysts.
If the cysts burst, then pigment from the cyst can form a brown film either on the front of the lens or on the inside of the cornea. Occasionally this may reduce vision.
Treatment of iris cysts
Treatment of iris cysts are indicated when the cysts are numerous or they are large enough to affect vision. Treatment options include:
Post-operative treatment
There is minimal post-operative care required after laser treatment of an iris cyst. Most animals will need anti-inflammatory medication after surgery for about 1 week. After the first post-operative visit, these are usually discontinued.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
An iris cyst looks like a brown balloon inside the eye. It can either be attached to the iris or free floating and is transparent when light shines through it. It is important to differentiate iris cysts from iris tumours. Iris tumours also look like brown masses inside the eye, but light does not pass through them and they do not float but are attached to the iris.
Animals can have either a single iris cyst or a multiple. Most of the time iris cysts cause no problems.
In horses, iris cysts often involve the corpora nigra (top of iris). This can cause head shaking and changes in behaviour.
Complications of iris cysts:
Secondary glaucoma can occur if there are lots of cysts as they can obstruct the normal exit of fluid from the eye. Great Danes and Golden Retrievers are predisposed to multiple cysts.
If the cysts burst, then pigment from the cyst can form a brown film either on the front of the lens or on the inside of the cornea. Occasionally this may reduce vision.
Treatment of iris cysts
Treatment of iris cysts are indicated when the cysts are numerous or they are large enough to affect vision. Treatment options include:
- Diode laser to “pop” the cyst. This is very effective as the cyst often collapses on itself and sinks down to the bottom of the front chamber of the eye.
- Intraocular needle expulsion. A needle is introduced inside the eye and the iris cysts are “sucked out”.
Post-operative treatment
There is minimal post-operative care required after laser treatment of an iris cyst. Most animals will need anti-inflammatory medication after surgery for about 1 week. After the first post-operative visit, these are usually discontinued.
Should you have any questions or concerns please contact us on 03 9545 0103.
