Morphology of the capsule-like portion of the reactive membranes on intraocular lens implants.

The glass-membrane-like capsules probably are the practically most important part of the separating membranes that typically form on intraocular lens implants in the human eye. With time in the eye, these clear capsules become tougher, more firmly adherent, and less eosinophilic. Their formation occurs early after implantation and is associated with the reactions of intraocular macrophages. Examples of well developed capsules are presented to show that only few cells are needed for their maintenance and that they can be of irregular thickness. Cell life on the film-like capsules is demonstrated using the examples of blood-eating macrophages, epitheliod cells, and melanocytes. Attachment of fibrous structures containing zonular fibers to the haptics is recorded.