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. This may have had an effect on the colors perceived by artist Claude Monet, who had cataract surgery in 1923.

Treatment

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

References

External links

• Columbia University's Digital Reference of Ophthalmology