Q12.4: Spherophakia

The lens of the eye is located behind the pupil. The pupil is a round hole in the iris. The lens of the eye is transparent and lens-shaped like a magnifying glass. It lies in a fixed, transparent capsule made of connective tissue. The lens of the eye is a sort of magnifying glass. It can focus light within the eye. The lens can be more or less curved. This is vital to be able to clearly see objects at different distances. All around, the edge of the lens is connected to a muscle by threads of connective tissue. This muscle can adjust the curvature of the lens.

While developing in the womb, many different types of tissue develop in the body. The organs and body parts develop out of the various types of tissue. If the tissue is disturbed while developing, defects may result. The defect of the eye’s lens can be hereditary. Other family members can also be affected by a hereditary disorder.

With this defect, the threads of connective tissue around your lens have not developed correctly. In this case the threads are unable to pull properly on the lens in order to make it flatter. Therefore the light at certain distances cannot be focused properly within the eye. Then vision at those distances may not be clear. If the underdeveloped threads cannot hold the lens firmly in its place, the lens can also slip.