Identification of anterior uveal tumor border by transscleral transillumination and an ophthalmic endoscope.

Purpose: To report a method for identifying the borders of anterior uveal tumors in deeply pigmented eyes.

Method: The borders of the anterior uveal tumors were marked by transscleral transillumination with a fiberoptic light and observed from the vitreous cavity using an ophthalmic endoscope.

Results: The ophthalmic endoscope disclosed a bright orange spot by transscleral transillumination of a normal uvea in deeply pigmented eyes. Two anterior uveal melanomas and one adenocarcinoma of the nonpigmented ciliary epithelium did not transmit light through the tumors.

Conclusion: With an ophthalmic endoscope and transscleral transillumination, the borders of ciliary body tumors can be identified and clearly demarcated, even in deeply pigmented eyes.