Scanning electron microscopic observation of Bruch's membrane with the osmium tetroxide treatment.

Scanning electron microscopic observation of Bruch's membrane was performed after removal of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) with the osmium tetroxide treatment. Eight human eyes from subjects at various ages (from newborn to 77 years old) were examined in order to investigate aging changes in Bruch's membrane. The collagen fibres of the inner collagenous zone in young eyes formed a tightly interwoven membrane, and the meshes were regular and fine. In old eyes the meshes were irregular and coarse, and deposits were observed. Deposits were embedded in the collagen fibres of the inner collagenous zone, or attached to the surface on the inner-collagenous-zone side of the basement membrane of RPE.