Histological and Biochemical Findings in Membranous Cataract

Abstract

<i>Background:</i> In this report we present a patient with unilateral membranous cataract and describe the histological and biochemical findings accompanying this rare condition. <i>Methods:</i> The patient underwent an uneventful cataract extraction. Aqueous humor (20 µl) was aspirated from the anterior chamber intraoperatively and processed for fibroblast growth factor (FGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) using an immunoassay method (ELISA). The lens material was subjected to histological examination. <i>Results:</i> The patient had increased levels of FGF and EGF in the aqueous humor, as measured by ELISA. Histological examination of the lens material showed a marked fibrous metaplasia and thickening of the anterior lens capsule, while the lens epithelial cells were transformed to active myofibroblasts which generated a fibrous matrix of collagen lamellae. Unfortunately, visual function was not restored postoperatively due to underlying amblyopia. <i>Conclusions:</i> Our histological and biochemical findings suggest that FGF and EGF may play a key role in the formation of membranous cataract, and therefore their impact on lens physiology should be further investigated.

Management of cataracta membranacea in a geriatric patient

“…In that case, the IOL was implanted in the sulcus in 1 eye and in the bag in the other eye. Gatzioufas et al 8 reported increased levels of epithelial growth factor and transforming growth factor in the aqueous humor of a patient with cataracta membranacea and suggested that these factors might play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of cataracta membranacea by stimulating proliferation of lens epithelial cells and inducing lens shrinkage. The main difference between the reported cataracta membranacea cases and our patient was the age.…”

Analysis of postoperative visual and surgical outcome following surgery for absorbed cataract in pediatric age group and the intraoperative difficulties

“…They may be present at birth (presentation can be either early or late) or occur following trauma. [ 2 3 ] During yesteryears, the absorbed cataract was difficult to operate on and was associated with poor results following surgical intervention. [ 4 ] Now with better instrumentation, techniques, and visual rehabilitation methods, it is feasible and worth operating on absorbed cataracts and to achieve better outcomes.…”