What we see is actually made in the brain from electrical signals provided by our eyes. If these signals are distorted, we have poor vision. For some people, Coloboma does not affect their vision; for others, vision can be greatly affected. Many times if both eyes are affected, blurred vision occurs. However, that is not always the case. For some, sensitivity to bright light is their only concern, outside of the obvious cosmetic affect. For others, blindness occurs. The degree of vision impairment, from mild to severe, rests on how completely the eye has formed.
Case Studies in Coloboma
Rachel has bilateral Coloboma. One eye has a ‘keyhole’ effect, and the other isn’t as pronounced. Thirteen years ago, she was born squinting. Her mother noticed she had ten fingers, ten toes, looked normal, except for the perpetual squint. She wasn’t too concerned, figuring Rachel had not adjusted to being out in the light. Newborns' eyes don’t open all that wide anyway, what with their chubby cheeks, so she didn’t notice at first that her eyes were different. Once she did, Rachel’s doctor told her to contact an opthalmologist. That’s how she first heard of Coloboma, and that’s how she first learned that her baby daughter had a birth defect. As you can imagine, she wanted to know what this meant, and how it would affect her daughter’s life.
Casey also has Coloboma. Her left eye is affected to the point where she is blind in that eye. Also, she has had brachial clefts in her neck, and has problems with hearing, speech, and learning capacity. Casey’s schedule consists of occupational therapy, physical therapy, and speech therapy. She is now in a pre-K program designed for special needs kids. Her parents face Coloboma head on every day and struggle with the effects it has had on their daughter.
Fortunately Rachel’s vision is normal. However, she is sensitive to light and wears sunglasses during the summer. Her eyes allow more light, causing sensitivity. On the other hand, Rachel sees better than those of us with normal eyes in the dark. Her mother recounted a time when she was three, looking out their front door, fascinated. She looked and didn’t see anything. Rachel insisted there was a dog outside. Sure, enough, when her mother turned on the porch light, there he was.
Most children with bilateral Coloboma have blurred vision. However, those with only one eye affected (unilateral Coloboma), usually have good vision in the unaffected eye.