Related Experiment Videos
(An)aerobic bacteria found in secondary-cataract material. A SEM/TEM study
D Kalicharan1, W L Jongebloed, L I Los
1Histology and Cell Biology Laboratory, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
Documenta Ophthalmologica. Advances in Ophthalmology
|January 1, 1992
Summary
Secondary cataracts after extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) were treated by surgical cleaning. Microorganisms, including bacteria and yeasts, were found in lens material, suggesting possible intraocular entry during surgery without causing inflammation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Microbiology
- Biomaterials Science
Background:
- Secondary cataracts significantly impair vision post-extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE).
- The etiology of secondary cataracts, particularly the presence of microbial or particulate matter, remains incompletely understood.
- Previous studies have not extensively investigated the morphological characteristics and microbial presence within secondary cataractous material.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the morphological characteristics of secondary cataract material removed surgically.
- To identify microorganisms present within the secondary cataractous material.
- To explore the potential source and implications of these findings in clinically quiescent eyes.
Main Methods:
- Surgical cleaning of the posterior lens capsule in 24 patients with vision loss due to secondary cataracts.
- Morphological examination of removed secondary cataract material using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).
- Microbiological analysis of the collected material.
Main Results:
- Globular fragments resembling particles found in primary cataracts were observed via SEM/TEM.
- Microorganisms, including rod-shaped bacteria, cocci, and yeasts, were identified in 18 of the 24 patients.
- These findings were noted in eyes with no clinical signs of inflammation and negative cultures.
Conclusions:
- Secondary cataracts may contain particulate matter similar to primary cataracts.
- Microorganisms can be present within secondary cataractous material in clinically quiet eyes, potentially entering during ECCE.
- The presence of these microbes without inflammation suggests a non-infectious or subclinical colonization, warranting further investigation into their role.