Anophthalmia and microphthalmia are congenital defects that develop during pregnancy and can be associated with other birth defects. Microphthalmia is a disorder that causes one or both eyes to be abnormally small, while anophthalmia is the absence of one or both eyes.
Research has revealed that the cause of these disorders could include genetic mutations and abnormal chromosomes. It is believed also that chemicals, X-rays, drugs, toxins, pesticides, radiation and viruses can increase the risk of contracting anophthalmia or microphthalmia, but this has yet to be proved. The cause of these disorders in certain patients is sometimes not known.
How are Anophthalmia and Microphthalmia treated?
In severe cases there is no treatment for the disorder. Some other cases can be handled medically and surgically and cosmetic improvements for children are possible most of the time. An artificial eye can be fitted for cosmetic reasons and to promote socket growth.
Newborn infants with anophthalmia or microphthalmia must be seen by several eye care practitioners specializing in vitreoretinal disease, pediatrics, ophthalmic genetics, orbital and oculoplastic surgery, and various prosthetic devices. These professionals can provide the optimum treatment and necessary information for the patient and family.
A prosthetic specialist is able to make conformers for the eye - plastic devices to help support the face and promote eye socket growth. New conformers are made as the face grows. A child suffering from anophthalmia may need expanders to also further increase the eye socket. When full facial development occurs, a prosthetic eye can be made and fitted. Obviously, prosthetic eyes cannot restore vision.
How do Conformers and Prosthetic Eyes affect a Child’s Appearance?
Between ages one and two, a painted prosthesis usually is fitted and looks like a normal eye. Before that age, clear conformers are used and these will appear black. They are not painted to resemble a normal eye because they are changed too frequently – every three or four weeks, in fact.
Should a child need to wear conformers after age two, they will be painted to resemble a normal but smaller eye. Children usually need three or four new painted prostheses before age 10.
Is Vision possible with Microphthalmia?
Children with microphthalmia have been known to have some residual vision. Their sight is very limited but the good eye can be patched to strengthen vision in the microphthalmic eye. A prosthesis is made to cap the microphthalmic eye, and this helps cosmetically and preserves the remaining sight.
