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About Kids with Coloboma

What is Coloboma?
A coloboma is a gap in part of the structures of the eye. This gap can occur in a range of areas and be large or small.

The most common form of gap is caused by an imperfect closure of a cleft, present in the womb but usually closed by birth date. This gap can occur in the eyelid, iris, lens, choroid or optic disc.

During the first three months of pregnancy, the eyes of the foetus are developing quickly, starting as a small bud which then sprouts out so that all the intricate parts of the inside of the eye can be formed and nourished. To aid this nourishment a gap, known as the foetal cleft, opens on the underside of each bud.

When the intricate development of the eye is completed, the gap closes but in some cases the gap either does not close or closes only partially and such gaps will remain throughout life. This gap is Coloboma.

This does not mean that there is a hole in the eye, just that certain structures within the eye do not fully form.

What are the effects of Coloboma on vision?
The effects of the condition can be quite mild or cause more visual problems if the back of the eye is affected. This will depend upon the extent and location of the gap, or incomplete closure.


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