What is Microphthalmia?
Microphthalmia is when one or both eyes are smaller than typical. Microphthalmia may occur with other eye conditions.
How Microphthalmia affects vision
The level of vision depends upon the size of the eye, as well as whether there are any other visual conditions. It can cause reduced vision or, in some cases, complete loss of vision.
Education strategies that can help
If there is remaining vision, strategies should aim to maximise use of that vision.
- The child or young person (CYP) should have their own copies of reading materials, avoiding sharing with others.
- The CYP may need to hold their tablet or reading materials at a specific angle or position, to maximise the area of vision that is most usable for them.
- Provide resources in an appropriate font size, with clear presentation on A4 paper.
- Consider trialling alternative background colours to white, when using a tablet or laptop. The CYP may find a black background with white or yellow writing easier to see.
- If using an image, provide an image description.
- The CYP may need information displayed on their teachers classroom board/screen to be shared a device such as a tablet or laptop. This is called screen-sharing (or screen-mirroring).
- The CYP may need to rest their vision regularly to help prevent visual fatigue. A good rule to follow is every twenty minutes. Some CYP like to close their eyes for 20-30 seconds.
- The CYP may need extra time to complete tasks. In key stages 3-5, this will need to be considered their normal way of working and taken into consideration for their exam access arrangements (EAA).
- As an adult, verbalise your feelings as the CYP may not be able to see your facial expressions or body language. This will help them make good choices when in your classroom, as well as anticipate when you might raise your voice.