QUANTITATIVE-ANALYSIS OF THE LENS CELL MICROSTRUCTURE IN SELENITE CATARACT USING A 2-DIMENSIONAL FOURIER-ANALYSIS

Using two-dimensional (2-D) Fourier methods, we analysed the cellular microstructure of three rat lenses: normal transparent, selenite-induc ed cataractous and selenite-treated plus a phase separation inhibitor (PSI) to prevent cataract. 2-D Fourier analysis of electron micrograph s of the lens cells quantified the dimensions of the spatial fluctuati ons in electron density of the lens cell microstructure. The 2-D Fouri er spectra of the transparent normal and PSI-treated lens cells were r emarkably similar while those of the opaque selenite-treated lens cell s were dramatically different. In the opaque cells the contributions o f large Fourier components (larger than half the wavelength of light) in the 2-D Fourier spectra were much greater than in the transparent c ells. The results of the 2-D Fourier analysis of electron micrographs are consistent with the theory of transparency of the eye.