COLOBOMA
A coloboma describes conditions where normal tissue in or around the eye is missing at birth. Coloboma comes from the Greek word that means "curtailed." The eye develops quickly during a fetus' first three months of growth. A gap, known as the choroidal fissure, appears at the bottom of the stalks that eventually forms the eye. This fissure generally closes by the seventh week of pregnancy. If it does not close, a coloboma or space forms. A coloboma can affect one or both eyes. If both eyes are involved, it can affect them the same way or differently. There are different types of coloboma, depending on the part of the eye affected: Eyelid coloboma. A piece of the upper or lower eyelid is missing. Lens coloboma. A piece of the lens is missing. Macular coloboma. In this coloboma, the macula fails to develop normally. Optic nerve coloboma. In this coloboma, the optic nerve is hollowed out, reducing vision. Uveal coloboma. The uvea is the middle layer of the eye. This coloboma can affect the iris, the colored part of the eye, giving it a distinct keyhole or cat-eye appearance. Chorio-retinal coloboma. In this coloboma, part of the retina is missing.