Survey of microphthalmia in Japan

To report the current status of patients with microphthalmia based on a cross-sectional survey of patient hospital visits.

A questionnaire was sent to the departments of ophthalmology in 1,151 major Japanese hospitals to survey the following: the number of patients with microphthalmia who visited the outpatient clinics between January 2008 and December 2009; gender; age; family history; associated ocular anomalies; complications and systemic diseases; surgical treatment; vision and management. A retrospective quantitative registry of 1,254 microphthalmic eyes (851 patients) from 454 hospitals (39.4%) was compiled.

Of the patients for whom data were available, 50% ranged in age from 0 to 9 years. The major ocular findings were nanophthalmos, coloboma, and vitreoretinal malformations. Ocular complications frequently developed, including cataracts, glaucoma, and retinal detachment. Surgery was performed in 21.4% of all cases, and systemic diseases were present in 31% of all cases. The vision associated with microphthalmia exceeded 0.1 in about 30% of the eyes. Glasses and low vision aids were used by 21.6% of patients.

Patients with microphthalmia often have ocular and systemic anomalies. Early assessment and preservation of vision and long-term complication management are needed.