Electron microscopic study on the development of precapsular layer in eyes with exfoliation syndrome.
OBJECTIVE
To search for a pathogenic mechanism for the formation of the precapsular layer on the anterior lens surface in pre-exfoliative eyes.


METHODS
We examined anterior lens capsules obtained during surgery from 38 patients (control, 16; exfoliation suspect, 10; exfoliation, 12) by transmission electron microscopy.


RESULTS
A precapsular layer was found in 5 of 16 controls and 7 of 10 exfoliation suspects. It was composed mainly of microfibrils 5-8 nm in diameter. Degenerated zonular fragments were occasionally found interspersed in, and sometimes merged with microfibrils of the precapsular layer.


CONCLUSIONS
Zonular fibers might contribute to the formation of the precapsular layer in pre-exfoliation stages.
Zhang
X
X
Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Khalil
A K
AK
Kubota
T
T
Inomata
H
H
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000869:Anterior Eye Segment / Q000648:ultrastructure; D018450:Disease Progression; D017889:Exfoliation Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007903:Lens Capsule, Crystalline / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D007905:Lens Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged