aphakia
Pronunciation: ah-FAY-kee-ah
Absence of the natural crystalline lens, typically following cataract extraction in pediatric patients requiring immediate optical rehabilitation.
Full Definition
Aphakia refers to the absence of the natural crystalline lens of the eye, most commonly occurring after surgical removal of congenital or developmental cataracts in children. The crystalline lens normally provides approximately one-third of the eye's refractive power (15-20 diopters), so aphakia results in severe hyperopia and loss of accommodation. In pediatric aphakia, immediate optical rehabilitation is crucial to prevent deprivation amblyopia. Treatment options include intraocular lens implantation, contact lenses, or spectacles, with the choice depending on the child's age, developmental needs, and family circumstances. Unilateral aphakia presents particular challenges due to significant anisometropia and the need for precise optical correction to maintain binocular vision.
Usage
Usage note: Distinguish from 'pseudophakia' (presence of intraocular lens) in post-surgical documentation.
In Context
- "The infant's dense congenital cataract required immediate extraction, resulting in aphakia that was corrected with a contact lens." — surgical case report
- "Unilateral aphakia in a 6-week-old infant necessitated aggressive amblyopia therapy following optical correction." — treatment plan documentation