A 3 month old infant was brought to the Opthalmology OPD by her mother,as she noticed that pa of the iris in the baby&;s right eye was missing. Examination revealed a defect in the inferior region of iris and pupillary region which gave it a characteristic keyhole appearance. Which of the following mechanisms during the embryonic development will most likely lead to the given condition ?

## **Core Concept**
The condition described in the question, characterized by a defect in the iris giving it a "keyhole" appearance, is suggestive of **coloboma**. Coloboma is a congenital condition where there is a defect in one of the structures of the eye, such as the iris, retina, or optic disc, due to incomplete closure of the **fetal fissure** during embryonic development.

## **Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer involves the mechanism of **incomplete closure of the fetal fissure**. During embryonic development, the fetal fissure is a groove in the inferior part of the optic cup that allows for the passage of blood vessels. Normally, this fissure closes by the 6th week of gestation. Failure of complete closure leads to coloboma. The characteristic "keyhole" appearance of the pupil is due to the coloboma affecting the iris and the pupillary region.

## **Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
- **Option A:** This option is not provided, but typically, incorrect options might relate to other developmental anomalies or mechanisms not directly related to the closure of the fetal fissure.
- **Option B:** Similarly, without the specific text, we can infer that any option not directly related to the failure of fetal fissure closure would be incorrect in the context of causing coloboma.
- **Option C:** Again, without specifics, any mechanism not involving the embryonic development process leading to coloboma would be incorrect.

## **Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
A key point to remember is that coloboma can be associated with other ocular and systemic anomalies. The presence of coloboma may indicate an underlying genetic syndrome. Clinicians should be aware of the possibility of associated defects in other organ systems.

## **Correct Answer:** . Incomplete closure of the fetal fissure.

✓ Correct Answer: D. Failure of closure of choroid fissure