Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome (ICE) is group of three eye conditions that are closely-linked:
- Chandler’s Syndrome
- Iris Nevus (Cogan-Reese Syndrome)
- Essential Progressive Iris Syndrome
What Happens to Eyes Affected by ICE?
While the cause of it is not completely understood, some doctors think that ICE is triggered by a virus, like herpes simplex. Middle-aged women are more prone to developing ICE then men are. Typically, only one eye is affected with its cornea swelling and losing cells and its iris and pupil becoming distorted. Normal draining of fluid from the eye is prevented from the movement of corneal cells. This causes pressure to build up in the eye, which leads to glaucoma.
Possible Signs of ICE
c The eye doctor will perform tests to check for:
- Swelling in the cornea
- Changes to your iris
- Increased eye pressure
If it is determined that you have ICE, the treatment will focus on the glaucoma caused by it. The intent is to reduce eye pressure. This is done to try to prevent vision loss in the affected eye. Medication or in some cases, a cornea transplant may be needed to prevent blindness.
Symptoms of Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome may not be immediately apparent until the damage is already done. Therefore, it is essential that you immediately seek treatment from an eye doctor if you notice changes in your vision and have a yearly eye exam.
Contact Valley Eyecare at (602) 955-2700 to schedule an eye exam if you experience signs of ICE.
