Ectopia lentis

Last revised by Jeremy Jones on 9 Apr 2024

Ectopia lentis refers to subluxation or dislocation of the lens of the eye secondary to dysfunction or disruption of zonular fibres. It is most commonly due to trauma. The commonest atraumatic aetiologies are Marfan syndrome and homocystinuria.

Marfan syndrome, homocystinuria, and Weil-Marchesani syndrome account for the vast majority of non-traumatic cases.

Sonographic features of lens malposition differ based upon the degree of luxation as follows 5:

  • subluxation

    • unilateral deviation of the lens margin posteriorly into the anechoic vitreous body

    • the contralateral margin remains fixed adjacent to the iris

  • complete luxation

    • the lens assumes a dependent position in the vitreous

    • demonstrates free mobility with eye movements

Associated findings include:

An anterior dislocation/subluxation carries greater complications than a posterior one. Such complications include:

ADVERTISEMENT: Supporters see fewer/no ads

Updating… Please wait.

 Unable to process the form. Check for errors and try again.

 Thank you for updating your details.