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Living with Nasopalpebral lipoma-coloboma syndrome

A rare condition present from birth with fatty lumps near the nose and eyelids, notched eyelids, and widely spaced eyes.

Understanding Nasopalpebral lipoma-coloboma syndrome

Nasopalpebral lipoma-coloboma syndrome is a rare condition present from birth with fatty lumps near the nose and eyelids and notches in the eyelids.

Features include nasopalpebral lipomas (fatty lumps near the nose and eyelids), a notch (coloboma) in the eyelids on both sides, and widely spaced inner corners of the eyes (telecanthus). Other features can include small eyeballs, cataracts, and a long, narrow head. It is autosomal dominant.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Fatty lumps near the eyelids (lipomas)
  • Notches in the eyelids (coloboma)
  • Widely spaced eyes (telecanthus)
  • Small eyeballs (microphthalmia)
  • Cataracts
  • Extra tearing (epiphora)

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 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
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Is genetic testing available for our family?
Which eye specialists should follow my child's care?
Can the eyelid differences be repaired?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

GARD says changes in genes cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, which means one changed copy of a gene can be enough to cause it.

Genetic

Also known as: nasopalpebral lipoma coloboma syndrome; palpebral coloboma lipoma syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Nasopalpebral lipoma-coloboma syndromeGARD ID 3927 · 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 Nasopalpebral lipoma-coloboma syndrome.

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