Unilateral ocular duplication

Unilateral ocular duplication, also known as diplophthalmos, is an extremely rare congenital condition in which a person is born with two separate eyeballs (or a partially duplicated eye) within a single eye socket on one side of the face. This condition is present at birth and results from abnormal development of the eye structures during early pregnancy. The duplicated eye may be fully formed or only partially developed, and the degree of vision in the affected side varies widely — in many cases, useful vision on the affected side is limited or absent. The unaffected eye typically functions normally. Because this condition is so rare, there are only a handful of cases described in the medical literature. The exact cause is not well understood, and no specific gene has been consistently linked to it. It is generally considered a sporadic developmental anomaly, meaning it occurs by chance rather than being inherited from parents. Treatment is primarily supportive and depends on the specific anatomy and any complications present. Surgery may be considered to address cosmetic concerns, remove a non-functional duplicated eye, or correct structural problems in the eye socket. An ophthalmologist and a craniofacial surgeon are typically involved in care. Prosthetic options may also be discussed to improve appearance. Long-term follow-up is important to monitor the health of the normal eye and to address any psychological or social impacts of the condition.

Bring these to your next appointment

• Q1.How much vision, if any, does my child have in the duplicated eye?,Is surgery recommended, and what are the risks and benefits?,Are there any other birth defects or conditions we should screen for?,Will my child need a prosthetic eye, and when should that be fitted?,How often should my child's healthy eye be checked?,What support is available for the emotional and social impact of this condition?,Is genetic testing recommended for our family?

Common questions about Unilateral ocular duplication