2020–2021 BCSC Basic and Clinical Science Course™
11 Lens and Cataract
Chapter 4: Embryology and Developmental Defects
This chapter includes a related video. Go to www.aao.org/bcscvideo_section11 or scan the QR code in the text to access this content.
Highlights
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The lens is derived from surface ectoderm.
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Approximately one-third of congenital cataracts are a component of a syndrome, one-third are an isolated inherited trait, and one-third result from undetermined causes.
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Most hereditary cataracts are inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, and they are almost always bilateral.
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Trauma is the most common cause of acquired lens displacement.
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A subluxated lens is partially displaced from the pupil but remains in the pupillary area; a luxated or dislocated lens is completely displaced from the pupil.
Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 11 - Lens and Cataract. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.