Coloboma is a congenital eye condition that affects a small number of people worldwide. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at what coloboma is, its symptoms, causes, and available treatments.
What is Coloboma?
Coloboma is a gap in part of the eye’s structure, often found towards the bottom of the eye. This condition can affect one or both eyes and does not necessarily indicate a hole in the eyes, but rather a failure to fully form during pregnancy. Coloboma can affect various eye structures, including the iris, lens, and retina.
Symptoms of Coloboma
It can be hard to tell how much a child’s vision has been affected until they are older. However, the most common form of coloboma is the one that affects the iris, which often gives the sufferer a pupil shaped like a keyhole. Children with this form of coloboma tend to have fairly good vision, although they might dislike bright lights.
How Common is Coloboma?
Coloboma is an extremely rare condition, occurring in only one in 10,000 births. In comparison, Maddie’s mark could affect as few as seven out of one million people. According to retired detective chief inspector Mick Neville, this number is easily manageable when it comes to scanning through facial recognition software.
Causes of Coloboma
Coloboma occurs when the eye or eyes of a developing fetus fail to form properly during pregnancy. This happens between the fourth and 15th week after conception. Sometimes coloboma is inherited, but in most cases, there is no genetic link. However, if your child has coloboma, it’s recommended that you get your eyes tested to ensure you don’t have undiagnosed problems.
Treatments for Coloboma
Unfortunately, there is no cure for coloboma. However, it can be monitored with six-monthly and yearly eye checks. Some children with coloboma may need to wear glasses, and adults can get cosmetic contact lenses to make the pupil look round. Prescription sunglasses are sometimes advised, because of the light sensitivity.
Where Did Madeleine McCann Go Missing?
Madeleine McCann went missing from her bed in a holiday apartment in Rua Dr Agostinho da Silva, Praia da Luz, a resort in the Algarve region of Portugal. The McCann family arrived for a seven-night spring break at the two-bedroom, ground-floor apartment on April 28, 2007. However, on the evening of May 3, the little girl disappeared from the apartment where she had been sleeping with her brother and sister. Her parents were at a nearby restaurant at the time of the disappearance.
In conclusion, coloboma is a rare congenital eye condition that affects a small number of people worldwide. While it cannot be cured, it can be managed with regular eye checkups and appropriate treatment measures. Additionally, it’s essential to understand that coloboma does not affect a person’s mental or physical capabilities and does not require special education or care.