Which term describes absence of the lens of the eye?

• A. Cataract
• B. Myopia
• C. Aphakia
• D. Hyperopia

Answer: (C)

Aphakia is the absence of the eye’s natural crystalline lens. The lens provides most of the eye’s focusing power and helps with accommodation. When it’s missing, light no longer converges onto the retina properly, so vision is markedly affected and the eye tends to be highly hyperopic (farsighted). Correction usually involves very strong plus lenses, contact lenses, or replacing the lens with an intraocular lens implant during surgery.

Cataract refers to clouding of the lens itself, not its absence. Myopia is nearsightedness with the lens present, where light focuses in front of the retina. Hyperopia is farsightedness with the lens present, where light focuses behind the retina.