Staphyloma is the term given to an eye whose uveo-scleral layer is stretched with uveal protrusion. This focal outpouching has a smaller radius than the surrounding globe. Staphylomas most commonly occur posteriorly, temporal to the optic disc, resulting in myopia.
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Clinical presentation
Patients with posterior staphyloma often present with axial high pathologic myopia 3,4.
Pathology
Staphyloma is an acquired defect secondary to weakness and thinning of the ocular uveo-scleral layer3.
Posterior staphyloma
- progressive myopia (or mega myopia) is the most common cause
- glaucoma
- scleritis
- necrotizing infection
- surgery/trauma
- radiotherapy
Anterior staphyloma
- inflammation or infection of the corneoscleral lining of the eye
Radiographic features
- increased eye size
- focal deformity (not as marked as coloboma), usually posterior
- non-enhancing ocular uveo-scleral layer
Differential diagnosis
- axial myopia: elongation of the globe without a superimposed smaller radius protrusion, although often co-exists with staphyloma
- chorioretinal coloboma: defect in the choroid and retinal layer, typically located at the inferonasal quadrant
- buphthalmos: enlargement of the globe
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