[Scanning electron microscopic observation of hydrodissected human lens nucleus]

Using a scanning electron microscope, we studied the surface structure of 5 different central nuclei, isolated by repeated hydrodissection during extracapsular cataract extraction. Aside from the damage induced by surgical maneuvers, the surfaces were very smooth, and there was no major disruption of the lamellar structure of the lens. Our studies have shown that hydrodissection, which allows atraumatic separation of the lens fiber layers, can be used to analyze the lamellar structure of the lens. Some of the evaluated specimens showed a distinct suture line and the lens fibers were approximately at right angles to it. These observations were different from those reported previously.