LENS EPITHELIAL-CELL OUTGROWTH AND MATRIX FORMATION ON INTRAOCULAR LENSES IN RABBIT EYES

Purpose: To evaluate the presence and distribution of lens epithelial cells (LECs) and extracellular matrix on intraocular lenses (IOLs) imp lanted in the capsular bag in rabbit eyes. Setting: Department of Opht halmology, Wakayama Medical College, Wakayama, Japan. Methods: Five ad ult albino rabbits had phacoemulsification and IOL implantation in bot h eyes. Two or 11 months later, the animals were killed by intravenous pentobarbital. The IOLs were removed and observed under scanning and transmission electron microscopy. Results: In addition to the macropha ges and giant cells on the IOLs, all eyes had a monolayer of flattened cells growing out from the residual anterior lens capsule and a fibro us meshwork of extracellular matrix. Unlike those of a macrophagic ori gin, these cells had no central cytoplasmic elevation of nuclei and fe w cell surface microvilli and were considered to be proliferating LECs . Conclusion: Lens epithelial cells are involved in the eye's cellular reaction to IOLs and in the formation of extracellular matrix on IOLs . Further study of LEC behavior on IOLs should be done to improve IOL biocompatibility.