Megalocornea is a rare condition where the corneal diameter is abnormally large but usually clear. It is often congenital and can be inherited.
Characteristics and associations
The enlarged cornea can be mistaken for other problems such as congenital glaucoma.
- Horizontal corneal diameter greater than about 13 mm with normal clarity and pressure
- High myopia and astigmatism are common
- Occasional association with lens subluxation or systemic syndromes
- Typically X-linked inheritance in many families
Management
Care focuses on refractive correction and monitoring for complications.
- Glasses or contact lenses to correct refractive error
- Regular checks for lens instability, glaucoma, or corneal changes
- Genetic counselling where inheritance is suspected
- Distinguishing from buphthalmos, which involves raised pressure and corneal clouding
