The lenticular capsule and cellular migration in anterior capsular cataract

A light and electron-microscopical study was performed on six lenses harboring anterior capsular cataract. The cataracts are typically divided by numerous sheets of basement membranes that merge with the lenticular capsule at the edge of the cataract. Basally, the cataract may or may not be bounded by a basement membrane. Myofibroblastlike cells may be observed, apparently traversing the basal border of the capsular cataract. Within the substance of the lens, isolated aggregations of collagenous material are present. Degenerating cells or collagenous aggregations are situated within the lenticular capsule. It is suggested that this configuration arises through the merging of basement membrane systems, surrounding the cells within the cataract, with the lenticular capsule.