Usually diagnosed in young puppies, microphthalmia literally means small eye. Due to a defect early in fetal development, the eye does not grow at the same rate as the rest of the head and therefore looks smaller than it should. Eyes may look a little sunken. Third eyelids can be prominent.
This condition is apparent in pups once their eyes have opened. Affected eyes are smaller than normal and appear recessed. The third eyelid may be more prominent. One or both eyes may be affected.