Disorder - Lens luxation

Organ Systems Involved
Nervous/sensory

Alternative disorders described within LIDA

Microphakia

Alternative Names
Ectopia lentis

Presenting Signs

The lens of the eye is held in place by ligaments called ciliary zonules. When these ligaments fail to develop normally they can break, causing the lens to dislocate (luxation of the lens). Some cats are born with small lenses; in these cases the ligaments are stretched and can break due to the excess tension. The dislocated lens can move forward into the front of the eye causing damage to the cornea and inflammation. This inflammation of the eye is called uveitis. It can cause the pupil to constrict leading to pressure build up within the eyeball (glaucoma). Dislocation or luxation into the front of the eye is an ocular emergency and immediate treatment is needed to prevent glaucoma. Signs of lens luxation include an acute onset of a painful eye, redness of the eye and a cloudy cornea. Lens luxation into the back of the eye is less common and is not as severe a condition. However, it can still lead to inflammation and glaucoma.

Cats at Risk

More common in older cats, usually between seven and nine years of age

Breeds Affected
Burmese
Siamese


Treatment

Surgical removal of the lens as soon as possible before secondary glaucoma and inflammation of surrounding parts of the eye occurs

PubMed References
Lens luxation

Contributor
Carlie Soul