What is a coloboma?

A coloboma is indeed characterized as a cleft or gap in an eye structure. This condition typically occurs when the eye does not fully develop during pregnancy, resulting in missing tissue in various parts of the eye, such as the iris, retina, or optic nerve. In some cases, coloboma can lead to visual impairment, depending on its location and severity.

Understanding coloboma is essential for vision professionals, as it helps in diagnosing and managing the visual needs associated with this condition. The other options refer to different ocular conditions; for instance, excess fluid refers to glaucoma, clouding of the lens describes cataracts, and misalignment pertains to strabismus. Each of these conditions has distinct characteristics and implications for vision care, but they do not relate to the definition of coloboma.