Microphthalmia

Microphthalmia is commonly called 'small eye syndrome' where the eye has failed to develop properly whilst in the womb. Most cases affect only one eye and the affected eye is obviously reduced in size and is usually totally blind with no vision at all. There are some rare cases affecting both eyes, but still having a small amount of residual vision.

Occasionally the affected eye is removed and replaced with an artificial eye as in anopthalmia. In most cases special shields are made from a mould of the eye which cap over the microphthalmic eye - these are fitted only for cosmetic reasons and provide no visual function.