Iris coloboma is a congenital eye anomaly. It occurs when the iris tissue does not fully develop, leading to a gap or deficiency in the iris. This condition presents as a “keyhole” or “slit” appearance, typically at the lower part of the iris. Coloboma results from structural defects during the embryonic development of the eye. While iris coloboma often causes only an aesthetic difference, it can sometimes also affect vision.
What are the Symptoms?
Individuals with iris coloboma may experience the following symptoms:
- Vision Problems: In some cases, visual issues such as sensitivity to light or difficulty focusing may arise.
- Light Sensitivity: Due to the gap in the iris tissue, excess light can enter the eye, causing sensitivity to light.
- Aesthetic Appearance: The slit-like gap on the iris is visible and can be noticeable, especially in dark-colored eyes.
- Visual Field Defects: Iris coloboma is often associated with retinal coloboma, which can create some deficiencies in the visual field.
What is the Treatment?
The treatment for iris coloboma generally depends on the symptoms and the patient’s visual needs:
- Colored Contact Lenses: Colored contact lenses can be used for aesthetic purposes or to reduce light sensitivity. These lenses help cover the iris coloboma.
- Surgical Intervention: It is possible to correct iris coloboma with advanced surgical techniques. A procedure called iris reconstruction can partially close the gap in the iris tissue. However, this treatment is usually done for aesthetic reasons and may not be suitable for every case.
- Keratopigmentation (Corneal Tattoo): By tattooing the cornea to match the missing area of the iris, both aesthetic and functional improvements can be achieved.
Individuals with iris coloboma should maintain eye health through regular eye examinations and consult an eye doctor if noticeable symptoms occur.
At Kaşkaloğlu Eye Hospital, surgical procedures and corneal tattooing are performed for iris coloboma.
