Aniridia

When the eye's iris is malformed or absent, this condition is called aniridia. This is a rare condition that has a genetic link. It affects about one in 50,000 babies. Children with aniridia should be checked routinely for glaucoma, which is also associated with this condition. Children with aniridia are also at risk for developing cataract, nystagmus and corneal vascularization — blood vessels growing across the normally clear front of the eye — as well as abnormalities of the macula — the area of the retina at which visual perception is most acute.