Phthisis/Atrophy of the Globe

Phthisis, or atrophy of the globe, is an acquired and pronounced reduction in globe size accompanied by alteration of its shape. It develops as an end-stage ocular change following inflammation, loss of aqueous humor after ocular perforation, and most commonly retinal detachment. The affected eye is blind and small, with a fibrotic cornea, uveal adhesions, cataract, and retinal detachment.

Phthisis of the globe in a Shar-Pei. The globe is so small that it is barely visible beneath conjunctival folds. Trauma was the cause of phthisis in this dog, and the diagnosis was confirmed by ultrasonography.

Adapted from the Atlas of Ocular Diseases in Dogs and Cats by Dr. Siniša D. Grozdanić and colleagues. © Animal Eye Consultants of Iowa. The text and clinical images on this page are original content from the authors' own clinical practice and research, and may not be reproduced, distributed, or repurposed without permission.

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