Skip to content
knowrare
HealthSignal
Your condition community

Living with Eyelid coloboma

A rare eye difference in which part of an eyelid is missing, from a small notch to the whole lid.

Understanding Eyelid coloboma

Eyelid coloboma is a rare developmental difference of the eye in which part of the eyelid edge is missing.

It may affect one or both eyes, and the upper or lower lid. The gap can range from a small notch to a missing lid. It can leave the clear front of the eye unprotected, which may harm vision. It may occur alone, with other eye differences, or as part of a syndrome such as Treacher Collins or Goldenhar syndrome.

Signs & symptoms

GARD describes this feature in its summary:

  • A notch or gap in the edge of the eyelid
  • An unprotected front of the eye
  • Possible vision problems

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include eye disease specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
Eye disease specialists (ophthalmologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Prevent Blindness America
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Does my child need surgery to protect the eye?
Should we look for other eye or body differences?
Which specialists should be on the care team?

Quick facts

Changes in genes cause this condition. GARD does not name a specific gene.

Genetic

Also known as: cleft eyelid; coloboma of eyelid; coloboma of lid; coloboma of the eyelid; coloboma palpebrale; congenital notching of palpebral fissure

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Eyelid colobomaGARD ID 19605 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Eyelid coloboma.

Explore the Eyelid coloboma blog

Explore research for Eyelid coloboma

Explore actively recruiting Eyelid coloboma studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Eyelid coloboma with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.

  • Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
  • Share your city to look for research near you
  • Eligibility is confirmed by the study team

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper

I can help you find recruiting Eyelid coloboma studies. Enter a ZIP code, address or city below and I'll look within 50 miles.

Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.

Get Signals for Eyelid coloboma

Stay in the loop with community stories and updates from medical researchers.

HealthStoryfor Eyelid coloboma

Create a living journal that talks back

HealthStory evolves private journaling with a living AI journal that talks back and asks thoughtful questions, helping you capture your Eyelid coloboma experiences more deeply and prepare for better conversations with your doctors and care team.

Start your journal

Your journal is private. Sharing your story publicly is a separate choice, made with Share your story above.