Digital infrared photography assists in the detection of iris and ciliary body cysts

Purpose: To report a case that illustrates the utility of digital infrared photography in the detection of iris and ciliary body cysts in an asymptomatic patient. Materials and Methods: Digital infrared photography of the iris was performed in both eyes of a 50-year-old white woman who presented with bilateral endothelial pigment dusting and subtle iris transillumination defects. Results: Infrared photography revealed a pronounced, rounded patch of transillumination in the periphery of the left iris. Also observed were focal, rounded regions of reduced transmittance in the peripheral iris of both eyes. These findings suggested the presence of bilateral iris and ciliary body cysts. High-resolution ultrasound biomicroscopic images were consistent with this suspicion. Conclusions: Digital infrared photography of the iris may be useful in the detection and evaluation of iris and ciliary body cysts.