Anophthalmia cyclopica is a medical condition in which an individual is born with one eye and the other completely absent. The spelling of this word can be broken down using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). "Ano" is pronounced as "ænoʊ," "op" as "ɑp," "thal" as "θæl," "mia" as "maɪə," "cy" as "saɪ," "clo" as "klɑ," "pi" as "paɪ," and "ca" as "kə." The correct spelling of this term is essential for medical professionals to accurately diagnose and treat patients with this rare condition.
Anophthalmia cyclopica is a rare congenital condition characterized by the absence of one or both eyeballs, combined with the fusion of the remaining eye structures into a single midline structure that resembles a single large eye. This condition is often referred to as cyclopia due to the presence of a single eye-like structure.
Anophthalmia cyclopica is an extremely severe form of eye malformation, resulting from a failure in the normal development and separation of the eye tissues during embryonic growth. The exact cause of this condition is not fully understood, but it is believed to stem from genetic mutations or environmental factors affecting early pregnancy.
Individuals with anophthalmia cyclopica may exhibit varying degrees of facial and cranial abnormalities. These can include a proboscis (a nose-like appendage) positioned above the single eye, a missing or underdeveloped nose, and fused or absent eyelids. It can also be accompanied by other systemic malformations such as brain defects and heart abnormalities.
Due to the severity of this condition and the potential for complications, individuals with anophthalmia cyclopica often experience severe visual impairment and may require specialized medical and surgical intervention. Treatment may involve surgical reconstruction of facial features or structural abnormalities to improve both cosmetic appearance and functionality.
Anophthalmia cyclopica is a complex and devastating condition that substantially impacts quality of life. However, with ongoing advancements in medical care and genetic research, efforts are being made to understand and manage this condition more effectively.
A condition in which the eyes and the orbits are rudimentary and fused together.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.