What is an optic disc coloboma?
Coloboma of the optic disc is a congenital ocular defect due to partial or complete failure of closure of the optic fissure during the sixth week of gestation and it can be associated with other congenital abnormalities [1].
What does vision look like with coloboma?
Colobomas involving the retina result in vision loss in specific parts of the visual field. Large retinal colobomas or those affecting the optic nerve can cause low vision, which means vision loss that cannot be completely corrected with glasses or contact lenses.
What visual complications patients will have due to lens coloboma?
Retinal detachment and cataract are the most common complications associated with retinochoroidal coloboma. Coloboma of the posterior pole is associated with an increased risk for retinal detachment with occurs in 23-42% of patients.
Can coloboma be cured?
There is no cure for a coloboma. A color contact lens or surgery may be an option to one day correct the appearance of a coloboma of the iris. Young children with colobomas must be followed closely by their eye care specialists to ensure additional or secondary visual issues do not occur.
Does coloboma get worse?
If the coloboma is located on the retina or the optic disc, it can worsen and weaken the integrity of the eye. In time, delicate tissues at the back of the eye can loosen or pull away. Doctors can use surgery to prevent further damage, but the vision you lose during an episode may be permanent.
What causes a coloboma?
What causes coloboma? Coloboma happens when a baby’s eye doesn’t develop normally during pregnancy because of abnormal or changed genes that affect eye development. Coloboma sometimes runs in families. Environmental factors, such as drinking alcohol during pregnancy, may also increase a baby’s risk for coloboma.
Is coloboma considered a disability?
Is coloboma classed as a disability? Not all coloboma causes significant visual impairment, but it’s possible to register as sight impaired when it does. A certificate of visual impairment (CVI) can help access services, benefits and other support.
Is there surgery for coloboma?
Retinal detachment.
If the coloboma is located on the retina or the optic disc, it can worsen and weaken the integrity of the eye. In time, delicate tissues at the back of the eye can loosen or pull away. Doctors can use surgery to prevent further damage, but the vision you lose during an episode may be permanent.
What causes coloboma?
Causes. Most cases of coloboma have no known cause and are not related to other abnormalities. Some are due to a specific genetic defect. A small number of people with coloboma have other inherited developmental problems.
Can people with coloboma drive?
Many people living with coloboma won’t experience reduced vision and should have no problems with driving. Even if your vision is affected, you may be able to drive if your sight is good enough.
Are you born with coloboma?
Coloboma is an eye condition that people are born with. It happens when part of the tissue that makes up the eye is missing. It can affect 1 or both eyes. If your child has coloboma, talk to your doctor about the best plan for their care.