Fuchs coloboma is a condition that affects the eye and is named after Austrian ophthalmologist Ernst Fuchs. The word "coloboma" is pronounced /kəˈlɒbəmə/ and refers to a gap or missing piece in the structure of the eye. Fuchs coloboma specifically affects the iris, causing it to have an irregular shape and compromising the eye's ability to regulate light entering it. This condition can lead to other eye issues and vision problems. Fuchs coloboma is uncommon and typically diagnosed during childhood eye exams.
Fuchs coloboma is a rare eye condition characterized by a defect or gap in the normally round shape of the iris, which gives it a keyhole-like appearance. This condition is primarily congenital, meaning it is present at birth, and it is believed to result from abnormal development of the eye during embryogenesis.
The coloboma in the iris occurs due to incomplete closure of the fetal eye fissure, which is a small opening in the developing eye that usually closes completely by the seventh week of pregnancy. As a result, the individual with Fuchs coloboma will have an abnormal-shaped pupil, typically notched at one edge or elongated to one side.
Apart from the iris, Fuchs coloboma can also be associated with defects in other ocular structures, such as the retina, optic nerve, and choroid. These additional abnormalities can have varying degrees of severity and may lead to vision problems ranging from mild to severe depending on their location and extent.
Fuchs coloboma is typically diagnosed during an eye examination, and the condition is considered stable throughout an individual's life, meaning it does not worsen over time. Treatment for Fuchs coloboma involves managing any associated vision problems, such as nearsightedness or astigmatism, through corrective lenses or surgery if necessary.
Overall, although Fuchs coloboma is a rare and distinctive eye abnormality, early diagnosis and appropriate management can help affected individuals maintain good vision and lead a normal life.
A congenital defect in the chorioid at the lower edge of the optic disc.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "Fuchs coloboma" is named after Ernst Fuchs, an Austrian ophthalmologist. "Coloboma" comes from the Greek word "koloboma", meaning "defect" or "deformity". It refers to a congenital or developmental defect in the eye resulting in a keyhole-shaped pupil or a gap in the structures of the eye.