Aphakia is the absence of the crystalline lens of the eye.

A cataract operation removes an opaque lens. An aphakic condition occurs when an intraocular lens implant is not placed into the eye during surgery.

Lack of a lens will result in blurred vision and visual distortion when not corrected with contact lenses, eyeglasses or a secondary intraocular lens.

Examination for lens disease or lens absence may include: visual acuity, slit lamp, ophthalmoscope, flashlight, or loupe.

The treatment for aphakia will include contact lenses, eyeglasses or secondary intraocular lens implantation.

The disadvantages of eyeglasses include: image magnification; spherical aberrations; limitations in the visual field; and no chance for binocular vision if one eye has a lens.

• May be entitled to special monthly compensation where the Veteran has a single service-connected disability rated as 100% with additional service-connected disability or disabilities independently ratable at 60% or more, which are separate and distinct from the 100% service-connected disability and involves different anatomical segments or bodily systems. See  38 CFR 3.350(i)(1) – Special Monthly Compensation (SMC).

• Consider entitlement to specially adapted housing under 38 U.S.C. 2101(a)(2)(A)(i) if there is visual impairment to the degree specified in 38 CFR 3.809(b)(2).

• The veteran, spouse, surviving spouse or parent will be considered in need of regular aid and attendance if he or she is blind or so nearly blind as to have corrected visual acuity of 5/200 or less, in both eyes, or concentric contraction of the visual field to 5 degrees or less (38 CFR 3.351(c)(1)).

• Consider entitlement to automobile allowance and/or automobile adaptive equipment if there is visual impairment to the degree specified in 38 CFR 3.808(b)(3).

• Review for entitlement to special monthly compensation under 38 CFR 3.350