Sampaolesi line is a sign which may be observed during a clinical eye examination. During

gonioscopy In ophthalmology, gonioscopy is a routine procedure that measures the angle between the iris (anatomy), iris and the cornea (the iridocorneal angle), using a goniolens (also known as a gonioscope) together with a slit lamp or operating microscope ...

(where the structures of the eye's

anterior segment The anterior segment or anterior cavity is the front third of the eye that includes the structures in front of the vitreous humour: the cornea, iris, ciliary body, and lens A lens is a transmissive optical device that focuses or dispers ...

are examined), if an abundance of brown pigment is seen at or anterior to

Schwalbe's line Schwalbe's line is the anatomical line found on the interior surface of the eye's cornea, and delineates the outer limit of the corneal endothelium layer. Specifically, it represents the termination of Descemet's membrane. In many cases it can b ...

, a Sampaolesi line is said to be present. The presence of a Sampaolesi line can signify

pigment dispersion syndrome Pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) is an eye disorder that can lead to a form of glaucoma known as pigmentary glaucoma. It takes place when pigment cells slough off from the back of the iris and float around in the aqueous humor. Over time, the ...

pseudoexfoliation syndrome Pseudoexfoliation syndrome, often abbreviated as PEX and sometimes as PES or PXS, is an aging-related systemic disease manifesting itself primarily in the eyes which is characterized by the accumulation of microscopic granular amyloid-like prote ...

Gonioscopy In ophthalmology, gonioscopy is a routine procedure that measures the angle between the iris (anatomy), iris and the cornea (the iridocorneal angle), using a goniolens (also known as a gonioscope) together with a slit lamp or operating microscope ...

is performed during eye examinations, which involves placing a mirrored lens on the patient's cornea in order to visualise the angle of the anterior chamber of the eye.

Causes

* Idiopathic *

Pigment Dispersion Syndrome Pigment dispersion syndrome (PDS) is an eye disorder that can lead to a form of glaucoma known as pigmentary glaucoma. It takes place when pigment cells slough off from the back of the iris and float around in the aqueous humor. Over time, the ...

Pseudoexfoliation syndrome Pseudoexfoliation syndrome, often abbreviated as PEX and sometimes as PES or PXS, is an aging-related systemic disease manifesting itself primarily in the eyes which is characterized by the accumulation of microscopic granular amyloid-like prote ...

References

Eye diseases {{eye-stub