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Living with Ophthalmomandibulomelic dysplasia

A rare genetic condition with cloudy corneas causing blindness, a fused jaw joint, and arm differences, with normal intelligence.

Understanding Ophthalmomandibulomelic dysplasia

Ophthalmomandibulomelic dysplasia is a rare genetic condition affecting the eyes, jaw, and arms.

People have complete blindness from cloudy corneas, trouble chewing because the jaw joint is fused, and differences in the arms. A small lower jaw, shortened and bowed forearms, and other bone differences have been reported. Intelligence is normal.

Signs & symptoms

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

  • Cloudy corneas and blindness
  • Fused jaw joint (temporomandibular joint ankylosis)
  • Underdeveloped radius (forearm bone)
  • Shortened limbs
  • Fused forearm or wrist bones
  • Hands bent toward the little finger side (club hands)

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
What options exist for the corneal clouding and vision?
Which care can help with the fused jaw joint and chewing?
Which specialists should manage arm and hand differences?

Quick facts

InheritanceAutosomal Dominant

GARD says the causative gene has not yet been identified. Autosomal dominant inheritance has been suggested.

Genetic

Also known as: omm (ophthalmomandibulomelic) syndrome; omm syndrome; pillay syndrome

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Ophthalmomandibulomelic dysplasiaGARD ID 4365 · 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 Ophthalmomandibulomelic dysplasia.

Explore the Ophthalmomandibulomelic dysplasia blog

Explore research for Ophthalmomandibulomelic dysplasia

Explore actively recruiting Ophthalmomandibulomelic dysplasia studies with HealthSpark.

HealthSpark

Find actively recruiting studies for Ophthalmomandibulomelic dysplasia 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

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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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