What is Iridofundal Coloboma?

Iridofundal Coloboma is an uncommon eye disorder in which a hole or a gap forms between the iris and the underlying retina. It can be congenital or acquired, however, parents having coloboma doesn’t guarantee that their child will develop it.

Depending on its size and location, Iridofundal coloboma can cause vision loss or distortion. 

What causes this?

Iridofundal Coloboma occurs due to problems in closing the embryonic fissure anteriorly. 

Am I at risk?

Iridofundal Coloboma generally occurs among children who have an abnormal development of their eye due to genetic factors, or during pregnancy.

How can I prevent Iridofundal Coloboma?

Due to being genetic in nature, and linked to environmental conditions during pregnancy, Iridofundal Coloboma can’t be prevented. 

When do I know I am facing an Iridofundal Coloboma?

If you have symptoms like light sensitivity, pupil shaped like a keyhole, low vision, blindness, partial vision loss, or nystagmus, you might be facing an Iridofundal Coloboma.

Diagnosis and treatment 

Iridofundal Coloboma can be diagnosed through a comprehensive dilated eye exam by putting drops to dilate your eyes and check for any conditions.

There are many ways to treat Iridofundal Coloboma, including:

  • Observation:  If there is not much effect on the vision, Iridofundal Coloboma can be treated by simple monitoring.
  • Glasses or contact lenses: Those with refractive problems in their eye may need glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision. Since Iridofundal Coloboma also affects the shape of the pupil, it can be corrected by colored contact lenses.
  • Surgery: If the condition is more severe, surgery can be done to remove it.

Types of Iridofundal Coloboma

Iridofundal coloboma can be of different types, depending on their impact on your eyelid:

  • Eyelid coloboma: This is when you are missing a part of your eyelid that protects the cornea, which can result in dry eye and vision problems.
  • Lens coloboma: This is when you are missing a part of your eye lens that focuses light on the retina, which can result in blurry, hazy, or less colorful vision.
  • Macular coloboma: This is when a part of your macula is missing, that makes your vision sharp, and can cause blurry vision or large blind spots in your eye.
  • Optic nerve coloboma: This is when your optic nerve not formed correctly, which connects your eye to your brain, and can result in blurry vision or blind spots.
  • Uveal coloboma: This is when your iris, which is the colored part of your pupil where light enters, or the retina is affected by the coloboma, which may lead to light sensitivity, or even retinal detachment.

Why visit AKIO for Iridofundal Coloboma?

AK Institute of Ophthalmology uses state-of-the-art technologies and offers several types of treatments for conditions that affect the retina, including:

  • Observation:  If there is not much effect on the vision, a simple observation and regula monitoring can help in managing Iridofundal Coloboma.
  • Glasses or contact lenses: Those with refractive problems in their eye may need glasses or contact lenses to correct their vision. Akio offers a wide range of IOLs for every eye care need.
  • Surgery: If the condition is more severe, AKIO has various surgery options, both invasive and non-invasive, which can effectively treat Iridofundal Coloboma.

What should I do if I get Vitreo-retinal diseases?

If you are experiencing symptoms like progressive loss of night vision, peripheral vision, and central vision, it is vital to schedule a consultation with an eye doctor for early care can help save your sight. 

This can be done through procedures like:

  • Laser therapy
  • Medication injections
  • Surgery

What innovative surgeries does AKIO offer for vitreo-retinal diseases?

3D Micro Incision Vitreo-retinal Surgery: 

AKIO has a highly skilled team of retina specialists that uses 3D Micro-incision techniques for retinal imaging and screening, which allows us to address advanced retina surgery needs, including retinal detachment, macular hole surgery, and diabetic micro-surgery.

AKIO, with its 41 years of success, expertise, and excellence, is the first hospital in North India to offer this innovative treatment.

What are the causes of vitreo-retinal diseases?

Vitreo-retinal diseases can be caused due to many reasons, such as:

  • Aging
  • Diabetes
  • Injury or trauma
  • Vascular diseases like hypertension
  • Inflammatory conditions like uveitis
  • Other underlying eye conditions like high myopia or lattice degeneration

What kind of treatment options will I have?

  • Laser Photocoagulation

This is a laser method that scars abnormal structures in the retina.

  • Injections

Special medications are injected directly into the eye.

  • Vitrectomy

This surgery removes the vitreous gel from the eye and replaces it with a saline solution.

  • Cryotherapy

This technique uses extreme cold to destroy abnormal retinal tissue.

  • Scleral Buckling

This procedure involves placing a silicone band around the eye to hold the retina in place.

  • Pneumatic Retinopexy

This procedure involves injecting a gas bubble into the vitreous cavity to push the retina back into place.

How do I know if I need retina surgery?

If you experience:

  • Sudden changes in vision
  • Floaters or webs
  • Flashes of light
  • Shadow in your vision
  • Pain or discomfort
  • Change in color perception
  • Distortion of straight lines

You might end up with conditions like retinal detachment or severe retinopathy, which requires you to have surgery, so consider scheduling a consultation with your nearest eye specialist.

It is also important to note that these symptoms don’t necessarily mean that you have a vitreo-retinal disease, as these signs can also occur with other eye diseases, so it’s important to talk to an eye care professional for proper evaluation and management.