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Electron microscopic study on the development of precapsular layer in eyes with exfoliation syndrome
X Zhang1, A K Khalil, T Kubota
1Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan.
Purpose:
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.
Conclusion:
Zonular fibers might contribute to the formation of the precapsular layer in pre-exfoliation stages.