Learn About Anophthalmia and Microphthalmia

Microphthalmia is a rare condition where a child is born with an underdeveloped eye. Anophthalmia is now thought to truly be a special type of Microphthalmia where the eye can’t be found without surgical investigation. Microphthalmia occurs in approximately 1 in 10,000 individuals.

Causes of these conditions may include genetic mutations and abnormal chromosomes. Researchers also believe that environmental factors, such as exposure to X-rays, chemicals, drugs, pesticides, toxins, radiation, or viruses may increase the risk of these conditions, but research is not conclusive. Sometimes the cause in an individual patient cannot be determined.

Both conditions can achieve excellent outcomes. The key is early intervention by the ocularist and ophthalmologist, as well as teamwork between the parents and child. By progressively enlarging the prosthetic eye, the soft tissues and bony orbit stimulate to grow, minimizing facial deformity which would otherwise occur.

Learn more about underdeveloped eyes

One of the most important factors to long term success is to develop a report with the child so the child assists in the process. Traumatized children make everything much more difficult.

We typically fit a colored prosthesis that resembles a normal eye as soon as the patient successfully wears a clear fitting template for several days. Prior to that, we utilize clear conformers. The conformers allow us to view and evaluate the eye socket for prosthesis fit and function. The clear conformers, used for socket assessment, do not undergo painting to resemble a normal eye. Their sole purpose revolves around evaluating the eye socket.

To promote the growth of bones and soft tissues around the eye, larger size conformers are regularly placed. This encourages proper development, and make changes to the child’s prosthesis periodically until approximately the age of three.

It’s important to fit the child’s prosthesis to allow maximum natural function of the eye socket and prosthesis.

Learn About Treatment of Microphthalmia

A colored prosthesis that looks like a normal eye is typically fit as soon as possible. An important factor in making a prosthesis for the child is making sure it fits and functions properly. To achieve this, we custom fit the child with a transparent template that enables us to make observations and evaluations. Traumatized children are far more challenging to treat than normal patients. One of the most critical aspects of treating microphthalmia is getting a caring ocularist, who does not traumatize your child and associate visiting their ocularist as a negative experience.