Aphakia

Aphakia is the absence of the lens of the eye, due to surgical removal, a perforating wound or ulcer, or congenital anomaly. It causes a loss of accommodation, hyperopia, and a deep anterior chamber. Complications include detachment of the vitreous or retina, and glaucoma.

Aphakic people are reported to be able to see ultraviolet wavelengths that are normally excluded by the lens.^[1] This may have had an effect on the colors perceived by artist Claude Monet, who had cataract surgery in 1923.

Rarely are babies born with aphakia. Occurrence most often results from surgery to remove congenital cataracts (clouding of the eyes' lens, which can block light from entering the eye and focusing clearly). Congenital cataracts usually develop as a result of infection of the fetus or genetic reasons. It is often difficult to identify the exact cause of these cataracts, especially if only one eye is affected.

Treatment

Aphakia could be corrected by wearing glasses, contact lenses or by implant of an artificial lens (pseudophakia).

References

1. ^ David Hambling (May 30, 2002). "Let the light shine in: You don't have to come from another planet to see ultraviolet light". EducationGuardian.co.uk. http://education.guardian.co.uk/higher/medicalscience/story/0,9837,724257,00.html. 

External links

• Columbia University's Digital Reference of Ophthalmology
• Aphakia, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center Ophthalmology Division

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