[Uveal effusion syndrome in nanophthalmic eye after trabeculectomy]

Nanophthalmos, characterized by a short axial length (14-17 mm), is a rare disease often associated with severe glaucoma. Uveal effusion is part of the clinical ophthalmologic manifestations we should keep in mind.

A nanophthalmic patient underwent trabeculectomy. Postoperatively, examination revealed a nonrhegmatogenous retinal detachment. B scan ultrasonography confirmed thickened sclera and choroidal detachment associated with subtotal retinal detachment. Retinal and choroidal detachments gradually resolved spontaneously with no surgical intervention.

Uveal effusion can occur after surgery in nanophthalmos. Histopathologic scleral modifications contribute to scleral inelasticity and to an increased scleral resistance to protein diffusion.

Managing nanophthalmic patients remains complicated. A slow spontaneous resolution of retinal detachment and choroidal effusion illustrates an alternative to prophylactic or therapeutic sclerectomies.