Changes in the shape and optical properties of the chicken lens after vitreous and scleral removal

Ocular dimensions and lens refractive properties were studied in enucleated eyes from 5-day old chicken (Gallus domesticus). Measurements were made in frozen hemisections and in fresh eyes sectioned through a para-equatorial plane. In these specimens, lens properties were examined after systematical removal of the vitreal mass. This procedure caused significant changes in lens diameter and refractive properties. Our data indicate that avian lens shape could be controlled by vitreal pressure and/or scleral support.