Iris varix: report of a case and review of iris vascular anomalies.

Iris vascular anomalies are rare benign vascular tumors and simulating lesions of the iris stroma. These can be classified into five distinct, clinicopathological entities: iris capillary hemangioma, iris cavernous hemangioma, iris microhemangioma, iris arteriovenous malformation, and iris varix. We have reviewed all reported cases of iris hemangiomas since 1970, as prior cases have been extensively reviewed by Ferry. We also report a case of an iris varix, confirmed by histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. Comparative features of each subtype of vascular anomaly are discussed.