Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose:Although anterior subcapsular lens opacity is frequently observed in patients with atopy, trauma, uveitis, and diabetes mellitus, there have been no reports comparing and studying the shape of the opacity involved. In the present study, we collected surgical specimens of the anterior capsule from patients with anterior subcapsular opacity accompanying atopic, diabetic, and senile cataract, examined the specimens by stereoscopic microscope and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and conducted a comparative investigation of morphological differences. Subjects and methods:The study was conducted from 1992 through 1998 on 50 eyes in 50 cases with anterior subcapsular lens opacity in whom anterior capsule specimens were collected during cataract surgery. The tissue specimens were fixed with a mixture of 5% formaldehyde and 2.5% glutaraldehyde and then observed under a stereoscopic microscope. They were then dehydrated through a graded ethanol series, substituted with isoamyl acetate, and dried at critical point. After sputter coating with gold, the size, shape, and extent of the opacity, as well as pathological changes, were studied by SEM and classified according to etiology. In collecting the specimens, the informed consent of the subjects was obtained prior to surgery. Results:Anterior subcapsular lens opacity was found to be caused by senile cataract in 19 cases (38%), diabetic cataract in 18 (36%), and atopic cataract in 13 (26%). Optical microscopic findings showed star–shaped opacity in 26%, 28%, and 62% of the cases with senile, diabetic, and atopic cataract, respectively. SEM showed layers of fibroplasias consistent with the area of opacity in 47%, 39%, and 77% of the cases with senile, diabetic, and atopic cataract, respectively. Conclusion:Star–shaped opacity was frequently observed in the cases with atopic cataract. Layers of fibroplasias were also frequently observed in these cases.
Keywords: aging • cataract • pathology: human