DESCRIPTION: Congenital cleft in some part of the eye (commonly the iris, but may also occur in the lid(s) or pigment epithelium and choroid); caused by faulty closure during prenatal development; usually hereditary; secondary complication: cataracts. Associated conditions are: microphthalmia, polydactyly and mental retardation. Depending on the extent and location of the coloboma, there may be decreased visual acuity, nystagmus, strabismus, photophobia, and a loss of visual fields.
TREATMENT: Cosmetic contact lenses and/or sunglasses for colobomas of the iris. Optical aids may be helpful.
IMPLICATIONS: Visual fields measurement is suggested when a coloboma of some-part of the inner eye is suspected (i.e., choroid or pigment epithelium).