In vivo observation of the crystalline lens capsule.

The crystalline lens capsules of eye bank eyes, intraocular lens (IOL)-inserted eyes and those of monkey and rabbit eyes were observed in vivo and/or in vitro through a specular microscope or Scheimpflug slit images in combination with new image-processing techniques and scanning electron microscopy. Shagreen patterns seen in both human and animal eyes may reflect the lens epithelium and basement-membrane-like layer. As a postoperative examination in IOL-inserted eyes, the distance between the IOL and the posterior lens capsule could be measured with an accuracy of 50 microns.