Ultrastructure, Histopathology, And Pathogenesis In Cataract Associated With True Lens Exfoliation

Objective:To report and observe the ultrastructure of the eye’s anterior capsule of the patients with True Lens Exfoliation (TE) using the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), and suppose the etiology and the pathogenesis of TE.Methods:The patient was diagnosed with true exfoliation and scheduled for phacoemulsification for cataract surgery. After continuous circular capsulorhexis, we got the anterior capsule and then placed and preserved the tissue samples in4%glutaradehyde (GA). Then, we made the tissue samples for observing with the Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM).Results:Transmission electron microscopy revealed lamellar delamination and granular belts in anterior capsular zone, lens epithelium cells degeneration in posterior capsular zone, as well as pseudoexfoliation fibrils located in the central capsular layer. Inside the cells, we can see a lot of vacuoles, but the organelles were not clear. Under the Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the capsule’s surface is rough, and the cells are absence in some parts.Also,there is a fissure between two cells. Conclusions:In the capsule of the TE patients, we could see lamellar separation and some fibrous tissue.Besides, the epithelium cell layer of the anterior lens capsule is absence,while only a few cells attach to the surface of the lens anterior capsule.Inside the cells,there is a lot of vacuoles.