What Is Aphakia?
Aphakia is the absence of the lens of the eye. It can be caused by trauma, surgery, or disease. Aphakia can cause significant visual impairment, including:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty seeing in bright light
- Poor night vision
- Double vision
- Astigmatism
- Monocular diplopia (seeing double with one eye)
Aphakia is often treated with corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the visual impairment.
Causes
The most common causes of aphakia are:
- Trauma: A penetrating injury to the eye can cause the lens to rupture and leak out. This type of injury can also damage other parts of the eye, such as the retina and the optic nerve.
- Surgery: The lens of the eye may be removed during surgery for cataracts, glaucoma, or other eye conditions.
- Disease: Some diseases can cause the lens of the eye to become cloudy or opaque. This condition, called cataracts, can eventually lead to aphakia if the lens is not removed.
Symptoms
Aphakia can cause a variety of symptoms, including:
- Blurred vision
- Difficulty seeing in bright light
- Poor night vision
- Double vision
- Astigmatism
- Monocular diplopia (seeing double with one eye)
Treatment
Aphakia is often treated with corrective lenses, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses. These lenses can help to improve vision and reduce the symptoms of aphakia. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the visual impairment.
Surgical options for aphakia include:
- Intraocular lens (IOL) implantation: An IOL is an artificial lens that is implanted into the eye to replace the natural lens. IOLs can be made of a variety of materials, such as silicone, acrylic, or glass.
- Scleral lens: A scleral lens is a large contact lens that rests on the white part of the eye (the sclera). Scleral lenses can help to improve vision in people who are not able to tolerate eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Prognosis
The prognosis for aphakia is generally good. With proper treatment, most people with aphakia are able to achieve good vision and enjoy a full and active life.