Fusion of macrophages on lens implants resulting in the formation of giant cells.
Giant cells on lens implants are understood to be a sign of chronic irritation. These multinucleated cells develop from macrophages by fusion and they disappear in successful cases along with the free-moving macrophages, when the fixed fibroblast-like cells and the proteinaceous capsule have succeeded in creating a continuous and effective separation on the surface of a lens implant. Details about the stages in the development of giant cells on lens implants as well as their significance as typical representatives of chronic granulomatous inflammation are discussed.
D000368:Aged; D000818:Animals; D005123:Eye / Q000166:cytology / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007910:Lenses, Intraocular / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008264:Macrophages / Q000473:pathology*; D008297:Male; D008566:Membranes / Q000473:pathology; D051379:Mice