Glossary of Terms

Aphakia
The absence of the eye's natural crystalline lens, usually after cataract removal.

Aphakic Spectacles
Thick, plus-powered eyeglasses that were once the standard correction for optical power following extraction of cataract. The glasses were cumbersome and greatly distorted peripheral vision. Today, an intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted in the eye after the cataract is removed.

Presbyopia
Also called "old age vision," presbyopia occurs as the lens of the eye ages and becomes less elastic and able to accommodate. Usually becomes significant after age 45 and is often signaled by the need for bifocals.