Saptarshi Mukherjee, M.Optom.

Senior Optometrist, Centre for Sight, New Delhi, India

 

 

 

 

Image: Slit lamp picture of Microspherophakia.
A. Small Dislocated Crystalline Lens, B.Weak Zonules

Image Summary
Microspherophakia is a rare congenital lens anomaly where the crystalline lens is abnormally small in diameter and more spherical than normal, rather than the usual oval shape, leading to increased lens thickness and high refractive power. It is inherited mostly as autosomal recessive or dominant traits. Microspherophakia is caused due to defective development of the lens zonules.

Clinical features include:

  • Small, round, thick lens with a high convexity.
  • High lenticular myopia and reduced visual acuity.
  • Shallow anterior chamber.
  • Lens subluxation or dislocation which may occur due to weak zonules.
  • Pupillary block that can lead to secondary angle-closure glaucoma.