What is the rare condition characterized by the separation of anterior iris stroma from posterior stroma and muscle layers?

The condition described as the separation of the anterior iris stroma from the posterior stroma and muscle layers is known as iridoschisis. This condition is relatively rare and typically occurs in both dogs and cats.

Iridoschisis leads to a distinct appearance of the iris where there is a fissuring or splitting, which can result in symptoms like changes in vision or increased intraocular pressure. It can also be associated with other ocular abnormalities and may affect the functional and structural integrity of the eye.

In contrast, iridadenitis refers to inflammation of the iris, which does not involve the specific structural separation described. Iritis is an inflammation of the iris as well, characterized mainly by the infiltration of inflammatory cells but does not involve the separation of iris layers. Iris coloboma, on the other hand, is a congenital defect that results in an incomplete formation of the iris, leading to missing sections, but again does not relate to the separation of iris tissue.

Understanding iridoschisis is important in veterinary ophthalmology, as recognizing this condition aids in diagnosing and managing potential complications that may arise from it.