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Cryptophthalmos

AI overview

Cryptophthalmos is a rare congenital anomaly in which the skin is continuous over the eyeball with absence of palpebral fissures and presence of eyelashes.

Key points
  • It is classified into three types: complete, incomplete and abortive.
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    It is classified into three types: complete, incomplete and abortive.
  • Failure of eyelid separation can be associated with maldevelopment of the underlying cornea and microphthalmia.
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    Failure of eyelid separation can be associated with maldevelopment of the underlying cornea and microphthalmia
  • Cryptophthalmos usually occurs on both sides and is associated with Fraser syndrome.
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    Cryptophthalmos usually occurs on both sides and occurs in association with multiple other malformations collectively referred to as Fraser syndrome
  • It may be associated with microphthalmia and a tuft of hair.
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    Along with microphthalmia (small or underdeveloped globe ), it may be associated with a tuft of hair.
Symptoms
  • Complete cryptophthalmos is characterized by complete occlusion of the eye sockets and fusion of the skin on the forehead and cheeks.
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    Complete cryptophthalmos is characterized by complete occlusion of the eye sockets and fusion of the skin on the forehead and cheeks.
  • Those with complete cryptophthalmos have no eyebrows, gland structures, or eyelashes and lack a conjunctival sac.
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    Those with complete cryptophthalmos have no eyebrows, gland structures, or eyelashes. They also lack a conjunctival sac
  • In complete cryptophthalmos, the overlying skin fuses with the cornea.
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    the overlying skin fuses with the cornea
  • Incomplete cryptophthalmos features rudimentary eyelids and laterally placed small conjunctive sacs.
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    Those with incomplete cryptophthalmos still have rudimentary eyelids as well as laterally placed small conjunctive sacs.
  • In incomplete cryptophthalmos, the palpebral fissure is about a third of the typical length.
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    In incomplete cryptophthalmos, the palpebral fissure is about a third of the typical length.
  • Abortive cryptophthalmos is characterized by absence of the upper eyelid and 75% of the cornea adhered to and covered by the forehead skin.
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    Abortive cryptophthalmos is characterized by the absence of the upper eyelid as well as 75% of the cornea adhered to and covered by the forehead skin.
  • Ocular cysts can develop in both complete and incomplete forms of cryptophthalmos.
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    Ocular cysts can develop in both complete and incomplete forms of cryptophthalmos.
Diagnosis
  • Ultrasound technology can detect cryptophthalmos around 18 weeks of gestation.
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    Ultrasound technology is able to detect cryptophthalmos around 18 weeks of gestation.
  • Ultrasound shows a lack of palpebral fissure between the lower and upper eyelids.
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    Ultrasound will show a lack of palpebral fissure between the lower and upper eyelids.
  • The skin from the cheek and forehead appears continuous on ultrasound.
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    The skin from the cheek and forehead appears continuous on an ultrasound.
Treatment
  • Treatment is mostly focused on reconstruction of the eye as there is not much potential for perfect vision.
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    There is not much potential for perfect vision in cryptophthalmos, therefore treatment is mostly focused on the reconstruction of the eye.
  • Surgery can be used to separate fused eyelids and restore some function.
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    Surgery can be used to separate fused eyelids and restore some function.
  • When surgery is not possible, prosthetic eyelids may be used.
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    When surgery is not possible prosthetic eyelids may be used.
Prognosis

There is not much potential for perfect vision in cryptophthalmos.

AI-synthesized from the Wikipedia article “Cryptophthalmos”. Not medical advice. Verify source →
Cryptophthalmos
Other namesCryptophthalmia
Unilateral cryptophthalmos in an infant with Fraser syndrome
SpecialtyMedical genetics, ophthalmology

Cryptophthalmos is a rare congenital anomaly in which the skin is continuous over the eyeball with absence of palpebral fissures and presence of eyelashes.[1] It is classified into three types: complete, incomplete and abortive. Failure of eyelid separation can be associated with maldevelopment of the underlying cornea and microphthalmia. Cryptophthalmos usually occurs on both sides and occurs in association with multiple other malformations collectively referred to as Fraser syndrome.[2] Along with microphthalmia (small or underdeveloped globe), it may be associated with a tuft of hair.[1]

Complete cryptophthalmos is the most severe form of cryptophthalomos. Complete cryptophthalmos is characterized by complete occlusion of the eye sockets and fusion of the skin on the forehead and cheeks. Those with complete cryptophthalmos have no eyebrows, gland structures, or eyelashes. They also lack a conjunctival sac and the overlying skin fuses with the cornea. Other deformities of the globe are often seen alongside complete cryptophthalmos.[3]

Those with incomplete cryptophthalmos still have rudimentary eyelids as well as laterally placed small conjunctive sacs. Undeveloped parts of the eyelid still fuse to the malformed globe. The eye globe is typically smaller and covered by skin. In incomplete cryptophthalmos, the palpebral fissure is about a third of the typical length.[3]

Ocular cysts can develop in both complete and incomplete forms of cryptophthalmos.[3]

Abortive cryptophthalmos is characterized by the absence of the upper eyelid as well as 75% of the cornea adhered to and covered by the forehead skin. The eye globe size often varies in Abortive cryptophthalmos.[3]

Ultrasound technology is able to detect cryptophthalmos around 18 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound will show a lack of palpebral fissure between the lower and upper eyelids. The skin from the cheek and forehead appears continuous on an ultrasound.[3]

There is not much potential for perfect vision in cryptophthalmos, therefore treatment is mostly focused on the reconstruction of the eye. Surgery can be used to separate fused eyelids and restore some function. When surgery is not possible prosthetic eyelids may be used.[3]

  1. 1 2 "Cryptophthalmos". Elements of Morphology. National Human Genome Research Institute. Retrieved 2022-10-30.
  2. Katowitz, James A.; Katowitz, William R. (2017-11-30). Pediatric Oculoplastic Surgery. Springer. p. 314. ISBN 9783319608143.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Cryptophthalmos". EyeWiki. September 23, 2023. Retrieved November 21, 2023.