Amsler sign also known as Amsler–Verrey sign is the name of the diagnostic finding seen in people with
Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis
Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis (FHI) is a chronic unilateral uveitis appearing with the triad of heterochromia, predisposition to cataract and glaucoma, and keratitic precipitates on the posterior corneal surface. Patients are often asymptomati ...
(FHI). It is described as presence of blood (
hyphema) in the aspirated aqueous fluid, in
paracentesis of the anterior chamber, and is caused due to
iris atrophy usually seen in FHI and exposure of the fragile iris
vasculature
In vertebrates, the circulatory system is a system of organs that includes the heart, blood vessels, and blood which is circulated throughout the body. It includes the cardiovascular system, or vascular system, that consists of the heart an ...
to the aqueous fluid. The sudden change of pressure in the anterior chamber upon suction induced by the paracentesis, or during a
cataract
A cataract is a cloudy area in the lens (anatomy), lens of the eye that leads to a visual impairment, decrease in vision of the eye. Cataracts often develop slowly and can affect one or both eyes. Symptoms may include faded colours, blurry or ...
surgery,
causes bursting of the fragile superficial iris
capillaries
A capillary is a small blood vessel, from 5 to 10 micrometres in diameter, and is part of the microcirculation system. Capillaries are microvessels and the smallest blood vessels in the body. They are composed of only the tunica intima (the in ...
resulting in micro-bleeding. This is one clinical
diagnostic sign of FHI.
History
This sign is named after the Swiss
ophthalmologist
Ophthalmology (, ) is the branch of medicine that deals with the diagnosis, treatment, and surgery of eye diseases and disorders.
An ophthalmologist is a physician who undergoes subspecialty training in medical and surgical eye care. Following a ...
Marc Amsler (February 15, 1891 – May 3, 1968).
It is sometimes referred to as Amsler–Verrey sign to acknowledge the contribution of another Swiss ophthalmologist,
Florian Verrey (1911–1976).
Sources
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Eye diseases
Medical signs