Peter’s Anomaly
Peter’s Anomaly refers to a congenital corneal opacity (clouding) due to iris–corneal adhesion (Type 1 Peter’s Anomaly) or lens–cornea adhesion (Type 2 Peter’s Anomaly).
What is Peter’s Anomaly?
Peter’s Anomaly refers to a congenital corneal opacity (clouding) due to iris–corneal adhesion (Type 1 Peter’s Anomaly) or lens–cornea adhesion (Type 2 Peter’s Anomaly).
What causes Peter’s Anomaly?
Some cases of Peter’s Anomaly are caused by genetic mutations in one of the following genes: PAX6, FOXC1 or PITX2. These genes are responsible for normal tissue development in the anterior part of the eye. However, most cases of Peter’s Anomaly are sporadic, without other family members being affected.
What are the ocular associations of Peter’s Anomaly?
- Glaucoma
- Cataract
- Microphthalmos
- Persistent hyperplasia of primary vitreous (PHPV)
- Foveal hypoplasia
What are the systemic associations of Peter’s Anomaly?
- Cranial facial anomalies
- Congenital heart diseases
- Pulmonary hypoplasia
- Ear anomalies
- Genitourinary anomalies
What are the treatments for Peter’s Anomaly?
Treatment of corneal opacities associated with Peter’s Anomaly are quite difficult due to poorly developed structures in the front part of the eye. Corneal transplantation is very limited in children because of their age and poor visual outcome. Corneal opacities can improve spontaneously therefore resulting in fairly useful vision in some children with Peter’s Anomaly. There is higher risk of glaucoma among children with Peter’s Anomaly and regular examinations by an ophthalmologist are needed.
Educational Implications
Behaviours or conditions that might indicate Peters's Anomaly
- Cloudy cornea or smaller cornea from birth.
- Nystagmus.
- Blurred vision.
- Vision is worse in bright light due to glare.
What to do
- The young person should visit an ophthalmologist to determine diagnosis and treatment.
- High risk of glaucoma, so regular consultation with an ophthalmologist is important.
- Blurred vision can sometimes be improved by wearing spectacles or contact lenses.
- Wearing dark glasses or a sunhat may help with glare.
- Enlargement of print (may be required).
- Sit near the front of the class.
- Wear tinted glasses.