What are Anophthalmia and Microphthalmia?

Anophthalmia and microphthalmia are birth defects of a baby's eye(s). Anophthalmia is a birth defect where a baby is born without one or both eyes. Microphthalmia is a birth defect in which one or both eyes did not develop fully, so they are small. Anophthalmia and microphthalmia develop during pregnancy and can occur alone, with other birth defects, or as part of a syndrome. Anophthalmia and microphthalmia often result in blindness or limited vision.

Description provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). For more in-depth information and reference articles about anophthalmia and microphthalmia, please visit Facts about Anophthalmia/Microphthalmia.

*White, Black, Asian/Pacific Islander categories are all non-Hispanic

Data Source: California Birth Defects Monitoring Program Registry, 2012-2016 (PDF)

California Central Valley Counties (Fresno, Kern, Kings, Madera, Merced, San Joaquin, Stanislaus, and Tulare).

Back to Data Sheets