Posterior chamber lens implantation: histopathological report of a successful case

Using electron microscopy, we examined an eye obtained at autopsy in which a C-loop intraocular lens had been implanted into the posterior chamber 2 years and 4 months prior to the patient's death. The lens was affixed with the superior loop outside the capsular bag and the inferior loop within the capsular bag. The two ciliary epithelial layers to which the superior loop was attached were thinned; the pigmented epithelial layer was completely absent and the nonpigmented epithelial layer was disrupted, suggesting breakdown of the blood-aqueous barrier. Proliferating lens epithelial cells, basement membrane-like material, collagen fibers and microfibrils were seen surrounding the inferior loop. The lens capsule, the zonular fibers and the ciliary epithelium adjacent to the inferior loop showed no pathological changes.