What causes colobomas?

What causes colobomas?

Experts think colobomas are caused by a genetic disorder that affects a baby’s eye while they’re developing during pregnancy.

Around two months before a baby is born, what’s known as the optic fissure comes together to form the eyes. When the fissure doesn’t completely close, it causes colobomas in one or both of the baby’s eyes.

Genes are made of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), which contains instructions for cell functioning and the characteristics that make you unique. Studies have shown links between certain genes in parents and the likelihood that their children will be born with a coloboma, but there isn’t enough evidence to say for sure which exact genes cause them.

Certain external factors — like drinking alcohol during pregnancy — can increase the odds that your baby develops a coloboma.