What is microphakia?

What is microphakia?

• A. Congenitally small lens
• B. Congenitally large lens
• C. Lens with irregular shape
• D. Lens with cataract

Answer: (A)

Microphakia is an abnormally small crystalline lens. This size reduction is usually present from birth (congenital) and can be part of broader developmental eye differences, or occur in isolation. Because the lens contributes to the eye’s focusing power, a smaller lens tends to alter refractive status, often resulting in hyperopia, and it can influence anterior segment anatomy in ways that affect glaucoma risk or surgical planning. It’s important to distinguish this from a lens that is simply large (megalophakia), a lens with irregular shape, or a lens with opacities (cataract). So the description of a congenitally small lens best fits microphakia.

Microphakia is an abnormally small crystalline lens. This size reduction is usually present from birth (congenital) and can be part of broader developmental eye differences, or occur in isolation. Because the lens contributes to the eye’s focusing power, a smaller lens tends to alter refractive status, often resulting in hyperopia, and it can influence anterior segment anatomy in ways that affect glaucoma risk or surgical planning. It’s important to distinguish this from a lens that is simply large (megalophakia), a lens with irregular shape, or a lens with opacities (cataract). So the description of a congenitally small lens best fits microphakia.