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Anophthalmia
Microphthalmia
Anophthalmia and microphthalmia are birth defects of a baby’s
eye(s). Anophthalmia is a birth defect where a baby is born
without one or both eyes. Microphthalmia is a birth defect in
which one or both eyes did not develop fully, so they are small.
Occurrence
Anophthalmia and microphthalmia are rare. Researchers
estimate that about 1 in every 5,300 babies born in the United
States will have anophthalmia or microphthalmia. 1 This means
about 780 U.S. babies are born with these conditions each year.1
Diagnosis
Anophthalmia and microphthalmia can either be diagnosed
during pregnancy or after birth. During pregnancy, doctors can
often identify anophthalmia and microphthalmia through an
ultrasound or a CT scan (special x-ray test) and sometimes with
certain genetic testing. After birth, a doctor can identify
anophthalmia and microphthalmia by examining the baby. A
doctor will also perform a thorough physical exam to look for any
other birth defects that may be present.
Treatment
There is no treatment available that will create a new eye or that
will restore complete vision for those affected by anophthalmia
or microphthalmia. A baby born with one of these conditions
should be seen by a team of special eye doctors:
The eye sockets are critical for a baby’s face to grow and develop
properly. If a baby has one of these conditions, the bones that
shape the eye socket may not grow properly. Babies can be fitted
with a plastic structure called a conformer that can help the eye
socket and bones to grow properly. As babies get older, these
devices will need to be enlarged to help expand the eye socket.
Also, as children age, they can be fitted for an artificial eye.
Babies born with these conditions can often benefit from early
intervention and therapy to help their development and mobility.
Other Resources
The views of this organization are its own and do not reflect the
official position of CDC.
References
1. Parker SE, Mai CT, Canfield MA, Rickard R, Wang Y, Meyer
RE, Anderson P, Mason CA, Collins JS, Kirby RS, Correa A
and the National Birth Defects Prevention Network. Updated
national birth prevalence estimates for selected birth
defects in the United States, 2004-2006. Birth Defects Res A
Clin Mol Teratol. 2010;88(12):1008-16.