PMID: 6964282Jan 1, 1982Paper

Human posterior subcapsular cataracts

Transactions of the Ophthalmological Societies of the United Kingdom
J Eshagian

Abstract

Clinically and pathologically there are two kinds of posterior subcapsular cataracts: vacuolar-lacy and solid plaque. Vacuolar opacities occur in senile, diabetic, retinitis pigmentosa, steroid, and secondary cataracts (Elschnig pearls). Plaque opacities occur in congenital polar, myotonic dystrophy, and Turner syndrome (chromosome XO) cataracts. The vacuolar opacities tend to be more superficial (closer to the posterior capsule), whereas the plaque opacities are generally slightly deeper (more cortical). The vacuolar opacities show cellular proliferation of aberrantly migrated lens epithelial cells in the posterior pole which have added damage to the cataract by secretion of basement membrane, intra- and extra-cellular filaments, and release of cytolytic lysozymes causing liquefaction and necrosis. The plaque opacities are acellular. Both types of cataracts show breakdown of lens fibres into rounded up disorganized globules and some membranous whorls. The liquefied vacuolar opacity is more readily removed by extracapsular cataract extraction, but the retention of nucleated lens epithelial cells in the vacuolar type of opacity is the source of a secondary cataract or Hirchberg-Elschnig pearls which require a discussion or membr...Continue Reading

Related Concepts

Trending Feeds

COVID-19

Coronaviruses encompass a large family of viruses that cause the common cold as well as more serious diseases, such as the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19; formally known as 2019-nCoV). Coronaviruses can spread from animals to humans; symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath, and breathing difficulties; in more severe cases, infection can lead to death. This feed covers recent research on COVID-19.

Blastomycosis

Blastomycosis fungal infections spread through inhaling Blastomyces dermatitidis spores. Discover the latest research on blastomycosis fungal infections here.

Nuclear Pore Complex in ALS/FTD

Alterations in nucleocytoplasmic transport, controlled by the nuclear pore complex, may be involved in the pathomechanism underlying multiple neurodegenerative diseases including Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis and Frontotemporal Dementia. Here is the latest research on the nuclear pore complex in ALS and FTD.

Applications of Molecular Barcoding

The concept of molecular barcoding is that each original DNA or RNA molecule is attached to a unique sequence barcode. Sequence reads having different barcodes represent different original molecules, while sequence reads having the same barcode are results of PCR duplication from one original molecule. Discover the latest research on molecular barcoding here.

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chronic fatigue syndrome is a disease characterized by unexplained disabling fatigue; the pathology of which is incompletely understood. Discover the latest research on chronic fatigue syndrome here.

Evolution of Pluripotency

Pluripotency refers to the ability of a cell to develop into three primary germ cell layers of the embryo. This feed focuses on the mechanisms that underlie the evolution of pluripotency. Here is the latest research.

Position Effect Variegation

Position Effect Variagation occurs when a gene is inactivated due to its positioning near heterochromatic regions within a chromosome. Discover the latest research on Position Effect Variagation here.

STING Receptor Agonists

Stimulator of IFN genes (STING) are a group of transmembrane proteins that are involved in the induction of type I interferon that is important in the innate immune response. The stimulation of STING has been an active area of research in the treatment of cancer and infectious diseases. Here is the latest research on STING receptor agonists.

Microbicide

Microbicides are products that can be applied to vaginal or rectal mucosal surfaces with the goal of preventing, or at least significantly reducing, the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. Here is the latest research on microbicides.