&;Iris-pearls&; are seen in
First, I recall that certain ocular conditions can lead to abnormal deposits or structures on the iris. One possibility is iridocorneal endothelial syndrome (ICE syndrome), which is a group of disorders that affect the cornea and iris. In ICE syndrome, there's endothelial cell proliferation that can lead to iris nodules. These might be referred to as iris pearls. Another possibility is nevus or melanoma, but those are more about pigmented lesions rather than pearl-like structures.
Another thought: Maybe it's related to congenital defects. For example, posterior embryotoxon is a condition where there's an anterior displacement of Schwalbe's line, but that's more about the cornea. Wait, "iris pearls" might also be associated with glaucoma. In some types of secondary glaucoma, like in ICE syndrome, the iris changes can contribute to angle closure, and the pearls might be part of the endothelial changes.
I should check if "iris-pearls" is a recognized term. Let me recall: In ICE syndrome, the endothelial cells become metaplastic and form nodules on the iris surface, which could be described as pearls. Additionally, ICE syndrome is associated with corneal guttata and progressive loss of corneal endothelial cells, leading to corneal edema and glaucoma. So the presence of iris pearls would be a sign of ICE syndrome.
Now, considering the options, even though they're not provided, the correct answer is likely ICE syndrome or one of its subtypes. Other conditions that might be confused are angle-closure glaucoma, but that's more about the anterior chamber angle. Alternatively, maybe a congenital anomaly like Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome, but that involves anterior chamber structures and systemic features. Axenfeld-Rieger can have iris abnormalities but not specifically pearls.
Another angle: "Iris pearls" might be called corneal guttata, but those are on the cornea, not the iris. So, the key here is the location—pearls on the iris surface. ICE syndrome fits here. Therefore, the correct answer would be Iridocorneal endothelial syndrome (ICE syndrome).
**Core Concept**
"Iris-pearls" are a hallmark histopathological finding in **iridocorneal endothelial syndrome (ICE syndrome)**, a group of rare, unilateral corneal endothelial disorders. The term refers to **metaplastic endothelial cell proliferation** forming nodular structures on the iris surface. This condition is associated with progressive corneal edema, glaucoma, and anterior chamber angle abnormalities.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
In ICE syndrome, the corneal endothelium undergoes metaplasia, leading to **endothelial cell proliferation** that migrates onto the iris stroma. These cells form **nodular masses** (iris pearls) and cause iris atrophy or distortion. The condition is strongly