What are axenfeld nerve loops?
Axenfeld nerve loops are loops of the long posterior ciliary nerves within the sclera, often located about 2.5-3mm posterior to the limbus. They are a normal anatomic landmark. The loops appear as gray or white nodules underlying the bulbar conjunctiva and are often surrounded by pigment.
Are axenfeld nerve loops normal?
A nerve loop of Axenfeld is a normal, often pigmented loop found in the sclera (white ocular tissue) where the posterior ciliary nerve comes very close to the scleral surface before it loops back through the sclera and then into the ciliary body.
What causes axenfeld loops?
Although Axenfeld nerve loops are fairly common, large loops are rarely seen. When part of the long posterior ciliary nerve that traverses the sclera and loops back to the ciliary body is associated with neurilemmal or connective tissue proliferation, it may form a prominent elevation 4 to 7 mm posterior to the limbus.
What do GREY spots on your eye indicate?
They may look to you like black or gray specks, strings, or cobwebs that drift about when you move your eyes and appear to dart away when you try to look at them directly. Most eye floaters are caused by age-related changes that occur as the jelly-like substance (vitreous) inside your eyes becomes more liquid.
Does scleral Melanocytosis go away?
According to Henkind and Friedman,1 scleral melanocytosis is often bilateral, present from birth or childhood, and is a life-long condition.
Do axenfeld nerve loops hurt?
The nerve loop is an anastomosis of the long ciliary nerve that turns to enter the sclera before turning back again to continue to the ciliary body. The examiner may illicit pain if the loop or overlying conjunctiva are manipulated – as is common when probing for traumatic injury.
What is axenfeld anomaly?
Axenfeld’s anomaly is a bilateral disorder characterized by a prominent, anteriorly displaced. Schwalbe’s line (posterior embryotoxon) and peripheral iris strands which span the anterior chamber angle to attach to Schwalbe’s line.
What is the main function of conjunctiva?
The conjunctiva of the eye provides protection and lubrication of the eye by the production of mucus and tears. It prevents microbial entrance into the eye and plays a role in immune surveillance. It lines the inside of the eyelids and provides a covering to the sclera.
What are the layers of conjunctiva?
The conjunctiva is divided into three segments: the bulbar conjunctiva, the palpebral conjunctiva, and the fornix conjunctiva. The bulbar conjunctiva covers the anterior part of the sclera (the white of the eye). It does not cover the cornea.
What causes dark inner corners of eyes?
The area under the eyes can appear darker due to constricted blood vessels causing hyperpigmentation, or from thinning of the skin around the eyes. All causes of dark circles under the eyes include: lack of sleep or poor sleeping habits. allergies, including hay fever.
What is an Axenfeld nerve loop?
The term “Axenfeld Nerve Loop” is used to describe intrascleral nerve loops of the long, posterior, ciliary nerves. The ciliary nerve pierces the sclera near the optic nerve and travels within the sclera and suprachoroidal space until it branches at the level of the ciliary body.
How does Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome affect the body?
Even though Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome is primarily an eye disorder, this syndrome can affect other parts of the body. Most people with this syndrome have distinctive facial features and many have issues with their teeth, including unusually small teeth (microdontia) or fewer than normal teeth (oligodontia).
What causes Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome type 1?
Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome type 1 is caused by mutations in the PITX2 gene. Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome type 3 is caused by mutations in the FOXC1 gene. The gene that causes Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome type 2 is not known, but it is located on chromosome 13.