ANTERIOR CAPSULE OPACIFICATION IN MONKEY EYES WITH POSTERIOR CHAMBER INTRAOCULAR LENSES

Objective: To examine the morphologic features of anterior capsule opa cifications in pseudophakic monkey eyes. Methods: Extracapsular lens e xtraction with implantation of posterior chamber intraocular lenses in six monkey eyes. Eyes were enucleated 2, 4, and 12 months alter impla ntation and then studied with light and electron microscopy. Distribut ion of proteoglycans was also examined with cuprolinic blue staining. Results: Anterior capsule opacifications were composed of proliferated cellular and extracellular matrix components situated between the ant erior capsule and the optics of the intraocular lens. The morphologic features of the proliferated cells were consistent with epithelial cel ls, and these cells probably represented lens epithelial cells. The ex tracellular matrix, which consisted of collagen fibrils, basal lamina- like material, and microfibrils, was most prominent in the specimens o btained 12 months after lens implantation. The extracellular matrix co ntained proteoglycans that showed positive staining with cuprolinic bl ue. Conclusions: Anterior capsule opacifications consisted of prolifer ated lens epithelial cells and aberrant extracellular matrix.