What term refers to a small, malformed globe?

Microphthalmos refers to an eye condition characterized by a smaller-than-normal eyeball, which can result from abnormal development during gestation. In this condition, the eye is not only reduced in size, but various associated ocular structures may also be underdeveloped. Microphthalmos can affect vision and is often linked to other developmental anomalies.

In contrast, nanophthalmos, while also referring to a smaller eye, typically describes a normal-sized globe with a very shallow anterior chamber and is not synonymous with the general malformation seen in microphthalmos. Anophthalmos signifies the complete absence of one or both eyes, which is distinctly different from a malformed smaller eye. Hypertelorism pertains to an increased distance between the orbits and is not directly related to the size or shape of the globe itself. Thus, microphthalmos is the most appropriate term to describe a small, malformed globe.