[Ultrastructure of the anterior capsule of the lens in different pathologies]

We undertook this study to compare the ultrastructural analysis of capsules of normal lenses (phacorefractive procedures) and those of other types of cataracts also such as senile cataracts, with trans-surgical staining.

Capsule samples were obtained by circular continuous capsulorhexis during phacoemulsification procedures. All samples were fixed and conventionally processed for light- and transmission-electron microscopy analysis.

Seventeen analyzed samples were grouped as follows: a) phacorefractive (n = 2), b) senile cataract (n = 3); c) senile diabetic (n = 3), d) pseudoexfoliation syndrome (n = 3); e) stained with trypan blue (n = 2), f) indocyanine green (n = 2), and g) gentian violet (n = 2). According to morphological analysis, all samples of cataract demonstrated lacunae zones between epithelial cells. Filamentous annular bodies were found near the epithelium in capsule of senile cataracts. Senile diabetic cataract samples showed more abnormalities in epithelial morphology; specifically we found conformation of two or three layers of epithelial cells. Samples stained with trypan blue showed a regular basal membrane and minor loss of epithelial cells than other trans-surgical stain techniques.

After an exhaustive medical literature search, we published the first report about the observation of filamentous annular bodies near the epithelium in capsules of senile cataracts. Additionally, it is important to note the presence of stratification of the epithelium at the anterior pole of capsules from diabetic patients.