# Microcornea

Source page: https://www.kudretgozistanbul.com/en/treatments/microcornea

**Author:** Kudret Eye İstanbul | **Medical Approval:** Op. Dr. Deniz Oygar Baylançiçek | **Date:** 2026-09-08

> **Summary:** Microcornea is a rare, usually congenital and genetic condition in which the cornea's horizontal diameter is less than 10 mm in a normal-sized eye. It usually affects both eyes; the cornea itself cannot be corrected, so treatment targets the hyperopia, glaucoma, cataract and refractive errors that often accompany it, with regular follow-up.

## Quick Facts
- **Definition:** horizontal corneal diameter less than 10 mm with a normal-sized eyeball
- **Onset:** at birth or early in life; both sexes equally
- **Eyes affected:** usually both, sometimes only one
- **Treatment:** accompanying problems are treated; corneal size cannot be changed
- **Price:** depends on the underlying cause and treatment

---

## What It Is
The cornea is the transparent dome at the front of the eye that refracts light. In microcornea it is smaller than normal. It may not affect vision directly; vision is mainly affected by accompanying hyperopia, glaucoma and cataract. Microcornea is a risk factor for glaucoma, as a small corneal diameter can raise intraocular pressure.

## Causes
- Usually genetic, more common with a family history; may be part of genetic syndromes; in some cases no cause is found.
- Infections in pregnancy such as rubella or toxoplasmosis.
- Medications such as thalidomide.
- Premature birth raises the risk.

## Symptoms
- Blurred vision
- Sensitivity to light
- Excessive watering
- Redness
- Eye pain

## Diagnosis
Physical examination by an ophthalmologist with special instruments measuring corneal size and shape, plus visual acuity and eye pressure checks.

## Treatment
- Treating accompanying glaucoma, cataract and refractive errors to protect vision.
- If the cornea has also lost transparency, a corneal transplant (keratoplasty) with donor tissue may be considered after a thorough examination.

## Prognosis
Vision depends on how small the cornea is and on the accompanying problems. Timely correction of refractive error and treatment of glaucoma and cataract can preserve existing vision.

---

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: Does microcornea cause vision loss?**
A: Not usually directly, but associated conditions such as glaucoma or cataract can cause vision loss if untreated.

**Q: Can microcornea cause glaucoma?**
A: Yes, it is a risk factor; regular checks allow early diagnosis and management.

**Q: Is microcornea genetic?**
A: Usually yes; it is more common with a family history.

---

## References
- Microcornea (MedGen C0266544), NCBI MedGen
- Nanophthalmos, EyeWiki (AAO)
- Microphthalmos, EyeWiki (AAO)