The hidden eye: A case of cryptophthalmos

ABSTRACT

Methods: This is a report of a case of cryptophthalmos seen at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH). Differential diagnosis and management options are discussed. Results: A 12-day old boy presented with no right palpebral fissure, eyelashes, or eyebrow. The skin overlying the right orbit was continuous from the forehead to the cheek. Under this skin was a 17 mm x 15 mm soft, round, movable mass anterior to the globe. The left upper lid was colobomatous with no eyebrow and fornix. The left cornea measured 9 mm x 6 mm with exposure keratitis and large ulcer. Ultrasound of the right orbit identified the presence of the right globe with normal posterior segment. Cranial computed tomography (CT) showed a cystic mass anterior to the right globe with absent lens. Visual-evoked response of the left eye established nonspecific severe optic-nerve damage, delayed visual-pathway maturation and visual-pathway affectation. Conclusion: Management of complete cryptophthalmos is difficult and requires separation of the lids and placement of mucous membrane grafts to allow for fitting of prosthesis. Reconstruction of the lid coloboma is necessary to prevent exposure keratitis. Genetic counseling is also important in the management of cryptophthalmos.