Aphakia
Also known as: Congenital aphakia · Angeborene Aphakie · Linsenlosigkeit · Absence of the lens · Primary aphakia
Overview
What it is
Aphakia is a rare eye condition where a puppy is born without the lens in one or both eyes. The lens is the clear structure that focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, which is necessary for clear vision. Because this lens is missing, the eye cannot focus light properly, and the condition is often accompanied by other eye abnormalities like abnormally small eyeballs.
How it presents
Owners will typically notice severe vision problems or complete blindness as soon as the puppy's eyes open, around two weeks of age. The puppy may also have unusually small eyes, cloudiness in the eye, or involuntary, rapid eye movements.
Treatment
There is no cure for congenital aphakia, and lost vision cannot be restored. Treatment focuses on managing secondary complications like inflammation or increased eye pressure, which requires lifelong monitoring and care costing between 500 and 3000 EUR.
How it's tested
ECVO Augenuntersuchung (DOK)(ECVO-DOK)
Primary testEye examAugenuntersuchung durch ECVO-zertifizierten Augentierarzt (Dortmunder Kreis). Erkennt PRA, Katarakt, Entropium, CEA, MPP, RD u.a.
Issuing body: ECVO
Result scheme: Eye-ECVO
Affected breeds
Treatment cost
Estimated range of typical treatment cost. Actual cost depends on severity, clinic and region.
Frequently asked
What is Aphakia?
Aphakia is a rare eye condition where a puppy is born without the lens in one or both eyes. The lens is the clear structure that focuses light onto the retina at the back of the eye, which is necessary for clear vision. Because this lens is missing, the eye cannot focus light properly, and the condition is often accompanied by other eye abnormalities like abnormally small eyeballs.
How is Aphakia tested?
Tests currently in our database: ECVO Augenuntersuchung (DOK).
Which breeds are most affected?
This condition isn't tied to a specific breed in our database.