Staphyloma

This is an ectatic, dark blue, bulging area involving a localised segment of the eyeball. It results from bulging of the uvea into a thinned, stretched sclera, which has been weakened by impaired nutrition, or by inflammation.

Staphylomas may be anterior, posterior, or equatorial. The anterior form may be situated over the ciliary body or between the ciliary body and the limbus. The ciliary staphyloma is the most common staphyloma. Posterior forms are typically seen at the optic nerve head. They may be associated with myopia and poor vision. Often, there is an area of pronounced choroidal atrophy.