[Anatomical evaluation of hydrodissected human lens nucleus]

We measured the diameter and central thickness of the central nucleus, isolated by repeated hydrodissection, in 100 eyes undergoing extracapsular cataract extraction. The average diameter and central thickness were 6.43 +/- 0.86 mm and 2.93 +/- 0.36 mm, respectively. The average ratio between the two measurements was 2.12, which is similar to that of an extracted crystalline lens. Statistical analysis revealed a positive correlation between central thickness and age (p < 0.05). There was a weak positive correlation between central thickness and hardness of the nucleus. Since specimens were obtained from clinical cases in this study, further evaluation should be made using cadaver eyes.