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

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

(where the structures of the eye's anterior segment 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 The corneal endothelium is a single layer of endothelial cells on the inner surface of the corn ...

, 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, thes ...

or pseudoexfoliation syndrome.

Gonioscopy Gonioscopy a routine ophthalmological procedure that measures the angle between the iris and the cornea (the iridocorneal angle), using a goniolens (also known as a gonioscope) together with a slit lamp or operating microscope. Its use is import ...

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, thes ...

* Pseudoexfoliation syndrome

References

Eye diseases {{eye-stub