Age-related changes of human lens epithelial cells in vivo

We examined the density and morphology of lens epithelial cells (LECs) in v ivo in a group of normal volunteers and cataract patients by using a newly developed noncontact specular microscope. There was a statistically signifi cant decrease in the cell density of LECs in a group of cataract patients o ver the age of 80 years. The coefficient of variation of the cell area and the number of large black spots that were observed in the enhanced specular images were not related to aging or cataract formation. Our data indicate that the cell density of LECs decreases after reaching the age of 80, but c ataract formation does not affect the cell density or the coefficient of va riation of the cell area until the age of 80. Copyright (C) 2001 S. Karger AG, Basel.