Home > Encyclopedia of Genetic Disorders > Microphthalmia with linear skin defects (MLS)

Definition

Microphthalmia with linear skin defects (MLS) is a rare genetic disorder that causes abnormalities of the eyes and skin. This disorder was first recognized as a distinct genetic condition in 1990.

Description

MLS is a rare disorder that is observed only in females because males with the disease do not survive to birth. This disorder is also called MIDAS (Microphthalmia, dermal aplasia, and sclerocornea) syndrome. People affected by MLS have:

• small sunken eyes (microphthalmia),
• irregular red streaks of skin on the head and neck (skin erythema),
• and abnormal development of the sclera and cornea of the eye.

The eye is composed of three layers: the sclera, the choroid, and the retina. The sclera is the tough white outer coat of the eyeball. As...