Which feature is characteristic of Pars planitis?

• A. Snowbanking
• B. Iris bombe
• C. Keratotic precipitates
• D. Hypopyon

Answer: (A)

Pars planitis is an inflammatory condition centered in the pars plana with inflammatory exudates that accumulate in the peripheral retina. The hallmark feature is snowbanking: white, plate-like subretinal exudates along the pars plana surface, usually in the inferior peripheral retina, often accompanied by vitreous inflammatory clumps called snowballs. This pattern reflects the inflammation primarily in the posterior segment behind the iris, with minimal anterior chamber signs.

Iris bombe, keratic precipitates, and hypopyon are more typical of anterior segment inflammation. Iris bombe results from posterior synechiae and pupillary block, keratic precipitates are deposits on the corneal endothelium seen in anterior uveitis, and hypopyon is layering of inflammatory cells in the anterior chamber. Pars planitis typically shows little of these anterior signs, making snowbanking the distinguishing and characteristic feature.