Anophthalmos Workup

Author: Nick Mamalis, MD; Chief Editor: Hampton Roy Sr, MD more...

Updated: Apr 17, 2012

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Imaging Studies
Histologic Findings
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References

Imaging Studies

Imaging studies in anophthalmos are as follows^[11]:

CT scan or MRI of the head and the orbits
- To assess the presence of an extremely microphthalmic globe
- Bilateral anophthalmos may have an associated absence of the optic chiasma, a diminished size of the posterior pathways, as well as agenesis or dysgenesis of the corpus callosum.^[11]
- Patients with unilateral anophthalmos may have severe craniofacial anomalies that need to be evaluated by scanning.
Ultrasound imaging
- B-scan ultrasound will show a complete absence of ocular tissue in anophthalmos.
- A-scan ultrasound will show a decreased axial length in microphthalmos.
- Transvaginal ultrasound can detect eye malformations after 22 weeks’ gestation; however, its sensitivity for use in the detection of anophthalmia is not known.

Histologic Findings

Primary anophthalmos is characterized by a complete absence of ocular tissue within the orbit. Extreme microphthalmos is seen more commonly. Histopathological evaluation of orbital contents reveals an extremely small or malformed globe with only rudimentary ocular contents. Overall, extraocular muscles often are absent or markedly decreased in anophthalmia.

Proceed to Treatment & Management

Contributor Information and Disclosures

Author

Nick Mamalis, MD Professor, Director of Ophthalmic Pathology, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Utah School of Medicine; Director of Intermountain Ocular Research Center

Nick Mamalis, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, and American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery

Disclosure: Medennium Consulting fee Board membership; Alcon Grant/research funds Independent contractor; Allergan Grant/research funds Independent contractor; AMO Grant/research funds Independent contractor; Bausch& Lomb Grant/research funds Independent contractor; Calhoun Grant/research funds Independent contractor; Anew Optics, Inc. Board membership; MBI Grant/research funds Board membership; Optimedica None Board membership

Coauthor(s)

Andrew James Ollerton, MD Pre-residency Fellow, Ocular Pathology, Moran Eye Center, University of Utah

Andrew James Ollerton, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Specialty Editor Board

Ron W Pelton, MD, PhD Private Practice, Colorado Springs, Colorado

Ron W Pelton, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, AO Foundation, and Colorado Medical Society

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Simon K Law, MD, PharmD Associate Professor of Ophthalmology, Jules Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine

Simon K Law, MD, PharmD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Glaucoma Society, and Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Mark T Duffy, MD, PhD Consulting Staff, Division of Oculoplastic, Orbito-facial, Lacrimal and Reconstructive Surgery, Green Bay Eye Clinic, BayCare Clinic; Medical Director, Advanced Cosmetic Solutions, A BayCare Clinic

Mark T Duffy, MD, PhD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American Medical Association, American Society of Ophthalmic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Sigma Xi, and Society for Neuroscience

Disclosure: Allergan - Botox Cosmetic Honoraria Speaking and teaching

Lance L Brown, OD, MD Ophthalmologist, Affiliated With Freeman Hospital and St John's Hospital, Regional Eye Center, Joplin, Missouri

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

Chief Editor

Hampton Roy Sr, MD Associate Clinical Professor, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Hampton Roy Sr, MD is a member of the following medical societies: American Academy of Ophthalmology, American College of Surgeons, and Pan-American Association of Ophthalmology

Disclosure: Nothing to disclose.

References

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Anophthalmic socket (left eye).

Close-up view of anophthalmic socket (left eye).

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