Certified Paraoptometric (CPO) Practice Exam 2025

What does aphakia refer to?

1. Inflammation of the eyelid margin

2. Absence of the lens in the eye

3. Excessive tearing

4. Inward turning of the eyes

The correct answer is: Absence of the lens in the eye

Aphakia refers to the absence of the lens in the eye. This condition typically arises after cataract surgery, where the natural lens is removed and not replaced, or it can occur due to trauma. The absence of the lens can lead to problems with focusing, resulting in significant visual impairment because the lens plays a crucial role in refraction and focusing light onto the retina. Understanding aphakia is important in the field of optometry and paraoptometry, as it emphasizes the need for appropriate vision correction, such as eyeglasses or contact lenses, to manage the refractive error that results from the lack of a lens.