Definition
The hypopion consists in the deposition of a thin layer of white blood cells (pus) in the anterior chamber of the eyeball. This collection of pus appears as a white-yellowish-colored horizontal streak, visible between the cornea (anteriorly), the sclero-corneal limbus (at the edges), the iris and the crystalline (posteriorly).
The hypopion is found more frequently during a suppurative keratitis, a corneal ulcer or an anterior uveitis (inflammation of the vascular habit of the eye, between the choroid and the iris). It can also occur in the context of Behçet's syndrome (chronic multisystem vasculitis) or, more rarely, in association with an ocular tumor such as retinoblastoma.
If the inflammatory exudate covers the pupil, the visual disorder can get complicated. The most fearful consequence of the hypopion, however, is the perforation of the cornea. This complication can be prevented by adopting adequate therapy, generally based on the general or local administration of antibiotics.
Possible Causes * of Ipopion
- Iridocyclitis
- Retinoblastoma
- Corneal ulcer
- Uveitis
