What does the term microphthalmia refer to?

Microphthalmia is a medical term used to describe a condition in which one or both eyes are abnormally small. This can occur due to various developmental issues during pregnancy that affect the formation of the eyes. Individuals with microphthalmia may experience vision problems, and the severity can vary widely depending on the extent of the underdevelopment of the ocular structures. It is important to distinguish this condition from other eye-related issues, as its implications for treatment and management will differ significantly.

The other options represent different ocular conditions: underdevelopment of the optic nerve pertains to a specific type of nerve issue rather than the size of the eyes, double vision (or diplopia) refers to the misalignment of the eyes causing visual distortion, and increased intraocular pressure is associated with glaucoma, which affects the eye's internal pressure rather than its physical dimensions. Understanding that microphthalmia specifically relates to the size of the eyes helps clarify its distinct role in ocular health.