Lens malformation includes conditions such as congenital aphakia, incomplete lens development, and double lens formation.
Etiology and Clinical Features
Congenital Aphakia
Primary aphakia occurs when the lens placode fails to form during the early stages of embryonic development, a condition that is extremely rare. Secondary aphakia refers to cases where the lens forms but undergoes degenerative changes, resulting in the disappearance of its structure, leaving only traces behind. This is more commonly observed in microphthalmia and other underdeveloped eyeballs.
Incomplete Lens Development
Delayed separation of the lens vesicle from the surface ectoderm can lead to corneal opacities, posterior keratoconus, and anterior lenticonus. Abnormal development of lens fibers may result in the formation of bifocal lenses (double nuclei), anuclear lenses, or abnormal fissures within the lens.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis can be made based on the lens's morphology as observed under a slit-lamp microscope.
Treatment
There is no specific treatment available.