Q-switched ruby laser induced damage of the adult rabbit lens capsule.

The technique of Q-switched ruby laser induced mechanical destruction of the lens capsule was used to study the reactions of the adult rabbit lens. The defect produced in the anterior lens capsule was larger than the 40-60 micrometer focus, which was due to rolled-up edges of the capsule. Long-term observations revealed some decrease in size of developing localized opacification and a healing of the defect by outgrowing lens epithelium with the formation of a new capsule. The rupture of the posterior capsule led to a slowly progressive opacification with little intraocular macrophage reaction.