Pannus on the eye

introduction

A pannus is the increased appearance of connective tissue, which is heavily streaked with blood vessels. In the case of pannus on the eye, this additional tissue overgrows the cornea and leads to corneal opacity. Depending on the stage of the disease, either antibiotic therapy is sufficient or, in the worst case, a corneal transplant must be performed.

definition

A pannus is an excessive build-up of connective tissue caused by the body's excessive response to inflammation. This connective tissue is heavily permeated with vessels and can either develop in the eye due to conjunctivitis, for example, or in joints as a result of inflammation of the joints. The pannus on the eye is characterized by a layer of connective tissue that grows into the normally vascular cornea.

causes

A pannus of the eye can be caused by a tedious Conjunctivitis (Conjunctivitis). The inflammation creates defense mechanisms in the body, which can manifest themselves in the following: increased connective tissue with blood vessels trained to repair a conjunctival tissue defect. If this tissue proliferation is excessive, a pannus occurs in the eye, which grows into the cornea.

Also a so-called Trachoma can be a possible cause of pannus. A trachoma is one Inflammation of the eyecaused by bacteria belonging to the group of Chlamydia is caused. At first it is similar to severe conjunctivitis, which has a chronic course. There is increasing scarring of the conjunctiva and clouding of the cornea. Depending on the severity, a trachoma can in the worst case Blindness to lead.
The occurrence of a trachoma is very rare these days and mostly only In the developing countries due to the lack of hygiene. In most cases this disease occurs in early childhood.

Symptoms

With a pannus of the eye, that is The main symptom is corneal opacity. This can be explained by the growing connective tissue and the blood vessels over the cornea. But first it comes as Early symptom of a foreign body sensation in the eye.

The pannus in trachoma goes with the symptoms of conjunctivitis, so one severely reddened conjunctiva, and one Foreign body sensation in the eye hand in hand. Gradually, blood vessels grow from the conjunctiva into the cornea. This makes the cornea appear cloudy. There is also a Scarring of the conjunctiva.

This is due to a corneal opacity Eyesight impaired and seeing comes through "like through a veil". A complete clouding, including through corneal scars, leads to Blindness.

You can read more information on this topic here: Corneal opacity

diagnosis

The diagnosis of pannus of the eye can be made based on the external appearance of the disease. The doctor recognizes them Growths and blood vessels in the corneaassociated with cloudiness.
With a Slit lamp examination the corneal opacity can be assessed.

The diagnosis of a trachoma, which is almost non-existent in industrialized countries, can be carried out by a Smear from the conjunctiva and cornea the chlamydial bacteria are then identified.

therapy

Depending on the stage of the underlying disease, one is enough Antibiotic therapy (for chlamydial infections) or there must also be a surgery be performed. With this intervention that will Scar tissue removed and corrects any misalignment of the eyelid caused by the growth.
A so-called keratoplasty (corneal transplant) can be performed in the case of a particularly advanced disease, i.e. when the cornea is already severely scarred and vision is impaired. This is a replacement of the cornea, which improves vision again.

You can read more information on this topic here: Corneal transplant