Title:The Fate of In Situ Lens Regeneration is Determined by Capsulorhexis Size
Volume: 17
Issue: 4
Author(s): X. Tan, Z. Liu, Y. Zhu, C. Chen, S. Huang, B. Chen, Z. Lin, J. Chen, X. Tang, B. Qu, X. Liu, L. Luo, J. Deng, F. Shang, M. Wu, W. Chen, H. Lin*Y. Liu*
Affiliation:
- The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060,China
- The State Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, 510060,China
Keywords:
Lens, in situ, regeneration, capsulorhexis, cataract, endogenous stem cell, phacoemulsification.
Abstract: Background and Objective: Lens regeneration is an optimal strategy for
cataract patients to regain visual acuity with accommodation. We recently designed a
novel, minimally invasive capsulorhexis surgical method for cataract removal that
achieved functional lens regeneration in human infants. However, small anterior
capsulorhexis requires advanced surgical expertise. To examine whether the quality of
the regenerated lens can be maintained with enlarged anterior capsulorhexis, we
investigated the shape and transparency of the regenerated lenses with different anterior
capsulorhexis diameters (ACDs).
Methods: Thirty-six 4-week-old New Zealand albino rabbits were randomly divided into
three groups which underwent lens extraction with different ACDs (Group A: 2.0±0.5
mm, Group B: 4.0±0.5 mm, Group C: 6.0±0.5 mm). The anterior capsule opening area
(ACOA) was quantified, and the morphology, weight, and histological characteristics of
the regenerated lenses were examined.
Results: Lens regeneration was observed in all three groups. In Group A, the
regenerated lenses were relatively complete and transparent. In Groups B and C, the
regenerated lenses were doughnut-shaped and opaque. The speed of lens regeneration
in Group A was significantly faster than that in Groups B and C. The ACOA in Group A
healed quickly and completely approximately 2 weeks after surgery. However, in Groups
B and C, ACOA did not heal completely until 12 weeks after surgery. Histological
examination showed that in Group A, most of the lens epithelial cells differentiated into
well-organized lens fibers. However, in Groups B and C, the regenerated lens fibers
were disorganized.
Conclusion: Capsulorhexis size is a critical determinant of integrity and transparency in
lens regeneration.
