[Scanning electron microscopic study of the fiber processes of the crystalline lens]

In order to know the role of the lens fiber processes and there surface morphology, scanning electron microscopic examination was performed with the lens from the normal rabbits and naphthalene cataract affected rabbit and a normal human lens. The results are as follows: 1) Normal rabbit lens: The edge processes and lateral large processes were well developed within the areas 20 to 40 microns from the suture line and 600 microns in an extended direction from the end of the suture line. Ball and socket junctions were noted in the cortex, and globular surfaces were noted in the nucleus. 2) Naphthalene cataract: Both the edge processes and the lateral large processes were partially swollen, and the lens surface changed into the microplicae-like structure. 3) Human lens: Ball and socket junctions, edge processes and microplicae were observed. However, neither lateral large processes nor globular surfaces were observed in a human lens. In conclusion, the lateral large processes and the edge processes were the main processes for fiber-to-fiber binding attachment. Ball and socket junctions were processes for the dynamic accommodation. Microplicae and globular surfaces were degenerative changes of the lens surface.