Transmission electron microscopy study of undescribed material at the anterior lens capsule in exfoliation syndrome.

Abstract

PURPOSE:

In the present study, we aimed to examine the anterior lens capsule using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and compare the findings in patients with and without exfoliation syndrome (XFS).

METHODS:

Eighteen patients with senile cataract, including 10 with XFS, were included. Anterior capsule specimens were obtained from patients during phacoemulsification through continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis, and were examined via TEM.

RESULTS:

In the XFS group, in addition to the typical fibrillar material above the basement membrane of the lens capsule, another unknown, microgranular, electron-dense, unbound material was observed beneath the lens epithelium. Larger formations appeared to detach from the surface of the epithelial cells, and oval or crescent-shaped structures of an electron-denser material were less commonly observed on the apical side of the epithelium. Membranous structures were occasionally attached to epithelial cells that often exhibited thicker or ruptured cell membranes on their apical-free side, along with deposits of electron-dense material. Degenerative lesions of various severities were observed at the epithelium in both groups.

CONCLUSION:

The anterior lens capsule epithelium in patients with XFS exhibits a highly irregular and rough margin on its free side, with unbound material over its membrane, which probably contributes to loose contact with the underlying lens and leads to different clinical behaviors in XFS eyes during cataract surgery.

• Authors: Konstantina N Sorkou, Maria-Eleni Manthou, Konstantinos T Tsaousis, Periklis Brazitikos, Ioannis T Tsinopoulos
• Journal: Graefe's archive for clinical and experimental ophthalmology = Albrecht von Graefes Archiv fur klinische und experimentelle Ophthalmologie (Graefes Arch Clin Exp Ophthalmol) Vol. 256 Issue 9 Pg. 1631-1637 (Sep 2018) ISSN: 1435-702X [Electronic] Germany
• PMID: 29982898 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Topics

• Aged
• Anterior Capsule of the Lens (surgery, ultrastructure)
• Capsulorhexis (methods)
• Cataract (diagnosis)
• Epithelium (ultrastructure)
• Exfoliation Syndrome (pathology)
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Microscopy, Electron, Transmission (methods)
• Phacoemulsification (methods)