EFFECT OF FREEZING ON LENS CAPSULE MECHANICAL-BEHAVIOR

Postmortem storage of lens capsules by freezing was found to increase capsular thickness slightly (5%). The effect on mechanical properties was minor. Ultimate tensile strength and ultimate stiffness were not c hanged by freezing. Ultimate strain was slightly increased (2%) and th e elastic modulus calculated at 40% strain was decreased (20%). Frozen capsules were found to relax to a slightly lower value than fresh one s (2%). The results show that freezing tends to soften the tissue, pos sibly due to an increased hydration. In spite of this effect, which ha s to be kept in mind, postmortem freezing seems to be an acceptable st orage method when collecting tissue for biomechanical research.