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Specular microscopy of the human lens
Transactions of the Ophthalmological Societies of the United Kingdom
|January 1, 1981
Summary
This study details the in vivo specular features of the human lens using macrophotography. It identifies distinct anterior zones and measures epithelial and lens fiber diameters in normal eyes.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Human Anatomy
Background:
- The human lens exhibits complex surface topography.
- Understanding lens morphology is crucial for diagnosing ocular conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe and record in vivo specular features of the normal and abnormal human lens.
- To quantify specific morphological parameters of the anterior lens surface.
Main Methods:
- In vivo macrophotography of the human lens.
- Analysis of specular reflection patterns on the anterior and posterior lens surfaces.
- Measurement of epithelial cell and lens fiber diameters in the central anterior zone.
Main Results:
- The anterior lens surface shows three distinct specular zones: coarse shagreen, epithelial pattern, and lens fiber pattern.
- The posterior lens surface is relatively featureless.
- Mean epithelial cell diameter was 13.9 microns and lens fiber diameter was 13.7 microns in the central zone of normal lenses.
- Described 'relief images' and perinuclear changes termed retrodot lens opacities.
Conclusions:
- Macrophotography effectively visualizes in vivo human lens specular features.
- Quantified measurements provide baseline data for normal lens morphology.
- Identified specific features, including retrodot lens opacities, potentially relevant to lens health.