Which breed group is most predisposed to primary lens luxation?

Which breed group is most predisposed to primary lens luxation?

• A. Toy Breeds
• B. Terriers
• C. Sporting Dogs
• D. Working Dogs

Answer: (B)

Primary lens luxation arises from an inherited weakness of the zonular fibers that suspend the lens, letting it dislocate either into the anterior chamber or into the vitreous. This genetic tendency is most strongly associated with terrier breeds, where spontaneous lens luxation occurs more frequently than in other groups. Because the condition is inherited, these terrier lines are recognized as having a higher risk, which is why the terrier group is the best answer. Clinically, a luxated lens often presents with sudden ocular pain, blepharospasm, and signs that the lens is out of place, such as an irregular or shallow anterior chamber and possibly visible lens edge. If the lens blocks aqueous outflow, secondary glaucoma can develop, making the condition an emergency. Management typically involves surgical removal of the lens (lensectomy) if feasible, along with addressing inflammation and preventing or treating glaucoma if it occurs. While trauma can cause lens luxation in any breed, the strongest breed association—and thus the correct option in this context—is terriers.

Primary lens luxation arises from an inherited weakness of the zonular fibers that suspend the lens, letting it dislocate either into the anterior chamber or into the vitreous. This genetic tendency is most strongly associated with terrier breeds, where spontaneous lens luxation occurs more frequently than in other groups. Because the condition is inherited, these terrier lines are recognized as having a higher risk, which is why the terrier group is the best answer.

Clinically, a luxated lens often presents with sudden ocular pain, blepharospasm, and signs that the lens is out of place, such as an irregular or shallow anterior chamber and possibly visible lens edge. If the lens blocks aqueous outflow, secondary glaucoma can develop, making the condition an emergency. Management typically involves surgical removal of the lens (lensectomy) if feasible, along with addressing inflammation and preventing or treating glaucoma if it occurs. While trauma can cause lens luxation in any breed, the strongest breed association—and thus the correct option in this context—is terriers.