Microphthalmia and anophthalmia in Chuuk State, Federated States of Micronesia.
Microphthalmia ('small eye') and anophthalmia ('no eye') are rare congenital defects of eye development. Previous studies utilizing a variety of methodologies have estimated their combined incidence at anywhere from 4 to 30 cases per 100,000 live births. In Chuuk, Federated States of Micronesia, there have been 42 cases detected since 1988, yielding an estimated incidence of 140 cases per 100,000. A number of putative genetic and environmental causes have previously been associated with microphthalmia and anophthalmia, including vitamin A deficiency. To date, it is unclear which of these factors may play a role in the alarmingly high rates observed in Chuuk. The Chuuk Division of Public Health has proposed a study to explore these potential causes, which will hopefully shed light on the prevention of these rare but debilitating conditions.
Yomai
A A
AA
State Department of Health Services, Weno, Chuuk, FM 96942. ayomia@fsmhealth.fm
Pavlin
B I
BI
D000853:Anophthalmos / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D017281:Cost of Illness; D006801:Humans; D008849:Micronesia / Q000453:epidemiology; D008850:Microphthalmos / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D012042:Registries; D014802:Vitamin A Deficiency / Q000150:complications