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Living with Oculomaxillofacial dysostosis

A rare genetic bone-development condition affecting the eyes, nose, and face, with short stature and facial clefts.

Understanding Oculomaxillofacial dysostosis

Oculomaxillofacial dysostosis is a rare genetic condition of bone development that affects the eye area, nose, and middle of the face.

Features can include short stature, differences around the eyes and eyelids, a broad or unusually shaped nose, and cleft lip or palate, as well as clefts along the sides of the face. Intellectual disability, a small head, a small jaw, and limb differences have also been reported. GARD lists onset as newborn.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Short stature
  • Facial clefts and cleft palate
  • Cloudy cornea (corneal opacity)
  • Sparse or missing eyebrows and eyelashes
  • Wide nasal bridge
  • Eyes that slant upward

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 bone and joint specialists, ear, nose, and throat specialists and genetic specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

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

  4. Connect with expert centers

    World Craniofacial Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Ear, nose, and throat specialists (otolaryngologists); Genetic specialists (geneticists)
Expert care
Expert lists: World Craniofacial Foundation
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 World Craniofacial Foundation and other patient organizations
  • 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
Which specialists should plan care for the facial clefts?
How can the cornea and vision be protected?
Is genetic testing available to look for the cause?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn

GARD says changes in genes cause this condition. It doesn't list a specific gene or how it is inherited.

Genetic

Also known as: oblfc1; oculomaxillofacial dysplasia with oblique facial clefts; richieri costa gorlin syndrome; richieri-costa-gorlin syndrome

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Oculomaxillofacial dysostosisGARD ID 4046 · 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 Oculomaxillofacial dysostosis.

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