Ultrastructure of Anterior Lens Capsule and Epithelium in High-Myopic Cataracts

BACKGROUND The mechanism of high-myopic cataract (HMC) is not fully understood yet. The ultrastructure of anterior lens capsule (aLC) and lens epithelial cells (LECs) may provide some clues to this issue. METHODS Capsulorhexis samples from 10 eyes with HMC and 10 eyes with age-related cataract (ARC) were analyzed for morphologic characteristics using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). RESULTS Several common pathologic disorders of LECs, including pleomorphic cellular structure, extensive intracellular vacuoles, swollen organelles, degeneration and necrotic lesions, could be observed in both HMC group and ARC group, to a similar extent. Specimens of HMC group disclosed remarkable extracellular spaces, interdigitation of LECs as well as protuberances of aLC towards LECs. CONCLUSIONS The ultrastructure of aLC and LECs in HMC demonstrated some specific pathologic disorders in comparison with ARC, which might play a role in the formation of cataract in high myopes.