Embryology, Eye Malformations

Excerpt

In the human embryo, eyes develop through a complex and delicate process. Interruption of this process leads to malformations of the eye or related structures that can result in both functional and aesthetic deficits. Congenital ocular malformations are relatively rare, with approximately 5 in every 10,000 live births being affected. These conditions range from having little impact on the life and function of the child to being highly debilitating. Some of the more common malformations include anophthalmia, microphthalmia, coloboma, aniridia, optic nerve hypoplasia, congenital cataracts, corneal opacity, and congenital glaucoma.