Living with Morning glory syndrome
A birth difference of the eye's optic nerve, with a funnel-shaped nerve head and often poor vision in the affected eye.
Understanding Morning glory syndrome
The optic disc, where nerve fibers leave the retina, is enlarged and funnel-shaped with a white center. Blood vessels are increased in number and curve outward like flower petals. Most cases affect one eye and cause very poor vision in that eye. It can occur alone or with other eye differences, such as crossed eyes and lazy eye. Retinal detachment is the most severe complication and occurs in about 26 to 38 percent of people.
Signs & symptoms
Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:
- Very poor vision in the affected eye
- Funnel-shaped optic nerve head
- Eyes that turn (strabismus)
- Lazy eye (amblyopia)
- Changes in retina pigment
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Specialists who may be involved include eye disease specialists and genetic specialists.
- 3Ask 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 rare disease patient organizations for support
- 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
Quick facts
GARD says it seems to be caused by the optic nerve not forming completely while the baby develops. Changes in genes (also called variants) are listed as a cause, but GARD does not name a gene.
Also known as: ectasic coloboma; morning glory anomaly; morning glory disc anomaly; morning glory disk anomaly; morning glory optic disc; volubilis syndrome
Patient organizations
Rare-disease groups that can help
- Global GenesRare Diseases · United States
- National Organization for Rare DisordersRare Diseases · United States
- Genetic AllianceRare Diseases · United States
- RARE FoundationRare Diseases · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Morning glory syndrome.
Explore research for Morning glory syndrome
Explore actively recruiting Morning glory syndrome studies with HealthSpark.
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- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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