Aphakia (a-FAY-key-ah) is the term used to describe an eye that does not have a natural lens.
- Rarely seen at birth
- It most often seen as a result of surgery to remove congenital cataracts (clouding over the lens of the eye, which blocks light)
- Congenital cataracts usually develop as a result of infection or as part of other conditions
- The exact cause of these cataracts may be hard to figure out, especially if only one eye is affected
Show AllIt is very important to remove the cataracts and treat the aphakia. Treatment for aphakia can include glasses, but contact lenses are often the best choice.
At the
Abrahamson Pediatric Eye Clinic, we offer specialty contact lenses for the treatment of aphakia. These contacts lenses are safe for your baby to sleep in. You can also use them for a longer period of time than traditional contact lenses.
If your child has aphakia, other treatments may be needed in addition to wearing contact lenses. This might include using eye drops or an eye patch, or both. The goal is to make sure your child uses the eye with aphakia, so it does not become lazy.
If your child has aphakia, he/she will need ongoing care from eye care specialists. For more information or to set up an appointment for your child, please call the Department of Ophthalmology, 513-636-4751.
Last Updated:
12/2009
