Congenital anophthalmia is a condition characterized by the absence of one or both eyes.  This extremely rare disease is predominantly the effect of genetic abnormalities.  Congenital microphthalmia, or nanophthalmia, is a condition characterized by a small, underdeveloped eye.  Similar to anophthalmos, microphthalmos is predominantly the result of chromosomal abnormalities during fetal development.  A recent study has determined that anophthalmos and/or microphthalmos have been present in as many as 1 in every 10,000 live births.

Ocular Prosthetics, Inc. board certified team of ocularists have extensive experience in prosthetic eye fabrication and fitting techniques required for children with anophthalmia and microphthalmia.  This will include beginning artificial eye treatment as early as possible and continually making adjustments to the prosthesis to ensure that the size keeps pace with the child’s overall development.  During the initial visits, your ocularist will strive to build a relationship that is based on communication and trust.  As they become older, your child will be enlisted to help with the in-clinic and at home care of their own prosthesis.   As a parent, it is important to encourage your child to become familiar with their prosthesis as early as possible to encourage self-empowerment.

It is also important for parents of children with anophthalmia and microphthalmia to understand that restoration with ocular prostheses is a continuous process throughout childhood.  An ocularist’s main goal in prosthetic eye treatment for infants and young children is to stimulate and maintain normal eye socket development.  This may include the use of progressively larger conformers, or transparent fitting shapes, to expand the relatively small eye socket.

For more information on prosthetic eye treatment for children with congenital anophthalmia and microphthalmia please contact any of our Southern California office locations today!  We will be happy to answer any questions or concerns you may have.  We look forward to hearing from you.