iridocorneal endothelial syndrome Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome More common in women and usually diagnosed between ages 30-50, iridocorneal endothelial syndrome has three main attributes: Visible changes in the iris, the colored part of the eye that regulates the amount of light entering the eye Swelling of the cornea The development of glaucoma, a disease that can cause severe vision loss when normal fluid inside the eye cannot drain properly. Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome is usually present in only one eye. Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome is actually a grouping of three closely linked eye conditions: Iris nevus (or Cogan-Reese) syndrome Chandler's Syndrome Essential and progressive iris atrophy The most common attribute of this group of eye diseases is the movement of endothelial cells off the cornea onto the iris. The loss of cells from the cornea often leads to corneal swelling, distortion of the iris, and variable degrees of distortion of the pupil, the adjustable opening at the center of the iris that allows varying amounts of light to enter the eye. The cell movement also plugs the fluid outflow channels of the eye, causing glaucoma. Causes of Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome The cause of this disease is unknown. While we do not yet know how to keep Iridocorneal Endothelial Syndrome syndrome from progressing, the glaucoma associated with the disease can be treated with medication, and a corneal transplant can treat the corneal swelling. Be sure to seek the advice of a licensed eye doctor before taking any measures.