Microphthalmia

Microphthalmia is a congenital anomaly. The patient has a small globe, usually accompanied by a small palpebral fissure and proportionally small orbit. A small globe affects development of the orbital bones, which may not develop normally; consequently, other changes may occur, including deviation of nasal structures and even respiratory problems. Microphthalmia often occurs together with other ocular malformations such as persistent pupillary membranes, persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous, cataract, retinal dysplasia, and coloboma of various ocular structures. In some dog breeds, microphthalmia occurs as part of hereditary syndromes such as Collie Eye Anomaly (CEA) and Merle Ocular Dysgenesis (MOD).

Congenital microphthalmia of the left eye in a Chow Chow.

Congenital microphthalmia in a Dachshund with other congenital abnormalities: coloboma, dyscoria, and cataract.

Congenital microphthalmia. Same dog as in the previous figure, other eye.

Rottweiler puppy with microphthalmia of the left eye.

Adapted from the Atlas of Ocular Diseases in Dogs and Cats by Dr. Siniša D. Grozdanić and colleagues. © Animal Eye Consultants of Iowa. The text and clinical images on this page are original content from the authors' own clinical practice and research, and may not be reproduced, distributed, or repurposed without permission.

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