Congenital ocular anomalies in Pondicherry

Congenital anomalies of the eye and ocular adnexa occurring in Pondicherry have been described. Anophthalmos, microphthalmos, limbal dermoids, nervus of Ota, anterior lenticonus, buphthalmos, and congenital cataract are very common. Onset of cataract in young individuals was caused by abnormal aminoaciduria. Hereditary factors played a part in 59 percent of the cases who would have become blind if they were not treated. Consanguinity is a major factor in their pathogenesis. Avitaminosis A and systemic infections which are common here may be playing a significant role in their etiology.