Aphakia (less commonly aphacia) is the absence of the lens from the ocular globe.
Pathology
Etiology
- surgical removal of a cataract (commonest cause)
- trauma
- congenital
Treatment and prognosis
Surgical insertion of an intraocular lens implant, in which case the aphakic appearance is called pseudoaphakia instead.
History and etymology
Aphakia is derived from Ancient Greek roots. 'α' (a-) meaning negative, and 'φακος' (phakos) meaning a lentil, and by extension anything shaped like a lens.