What does iris bombe indicate in a clinical situation?

Iris bombe is a clinical term that refers specifically to the condition where the iris is pushed forward due to the accumulation of fluid in the anterior chamber, causing a bowing effect of the iris. This condition typically arises when there is 360-degree posterior synechia, which is an adhesion between the iris and the lens. In such cases, the aqueous humor cannot properly flow from the posterior chamber to the anterior chamber, leading to an increase in pressure and the characteristic bombé shape of the iris.

This condition is significant because it reflects underlying issues with intraocular pressure and can lead to complications, including acute glaucoma. While acute glaucoma is related to increased intraocular pressure, it does not directly describe the anatomical change of the iris seen in iris bombe. Normal iris function and adhesion of the lens to the cornea are also not relevant to the specific distortion of the iris that iris bombe represents. Therefore, the presence of 360-degree posterior synechia clearly indicates iris bombe in the clinical context.