Which statement best defines aphakia?

• A. Absence of the natural crystalline lens, usually after lens removal without immediate implantation of an IOL.
• B. Presence of a clear crystalline lens with cataract removed.
• C. Condition where IOL is dislocated into the vitreous.
• D. Intraocular pressure reduction after lens removal.

Answer: (A)

Aphakia means the eye lacks its natural crystalline lens, typically after lens removal without immediately placing an intraocular lens. Without the lens, the eye loses its primary focusing power, producing marked hyperopia and requiring strong corrective lenses or a contact lens; many patients later receive an IOL to restore focusing, in which case the eye would be pseudophakic rather than aphakic. The other statements don’t define aphakia: having a clear lens after cataract removal would mean the lens is still present; a dislocated IOL describes placement of an artificial lens rather than absence of the natural lens; and a change in intraocular pressure after lens removal concerns glaucoma-related effects, not the presence or absence of the lens.