"Aphakia" is a term used in ophthalmology to describe the absence of the lens in the eye. Despite its unique spelling, the word can be broken down into its phonetic components, which are /æ/ (as in "cat"), /f/ (as in "few"), /eɪ/ (as in "day"), and /kɪə/ (as in "care"). The word originates from the Greek "aphakos," meaning "without a lens," and is pronounced as ah-FAK-ee-ah. Despite its complexity, the spelling of "aphakia" can be easily deciphered with the help of IPA phonetic transcription.
Aphakia is a medical term that refers to a condition in which the natural crystalline lens of the eye is absent or surgically removed. The lens is a transparent, disk-shaped structure located behind the iris, responsible for refracting light and focusing it onto the retina to form clear images.
Aphakia can occur as a result of congenital abnormalities, trauma, or surgical intervention such as cataract removal. Individuals with aphakia are unable to focus light adequately due to the absence of the lens. As a consequence, vision is significantly affected, and they experience blurred or distorted images.
To correct the visual impairment caused by aphakia, individuals may be prescribed glasses with high-powered lenses or specialty contact lenses. Another common solution is the use of intraocular lens implants (IOLs) surgically placed in the eye to replace the removed lens. These artificial lenses are typically made of acrylic or silicone materials and are designed to mimic the focusing ability of the natural lens.
Although aphakia can cause visual challenges, it is a condition that can usually be managed effectively with appropriate corrective measures. Regular eye examinations and follow-ups are important for individuals with aphakia to ensure optimal vision and overall eye health.
Aphacia.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "aphakia" is derived from two Greek roots: "a-phakos" (ἄφακος), which means "without a lens", and "-ia", which is a suffix used to form nouns. In ophthalmology, "aphakia" refers to the condition where the lens of the eye is absent or removed.