Fusion of macrophages on lens implants resulting in the formation of giant cells.

Giant cells on lens implants are understood to be a sign of chronic irritation. These multinucleated cells develop from macrophages by fusion and they disappear in successful cases along with the free-moving macrophages, when the fixed fibroblast-like cells and the proteinaceous capsule have succeeded in creating a continuous and effective separation on the surface of a lens implant. Details about the stages in the development of giant cells on lens implants as well as their significance as typical representatives of chronic granulomatous inflammation are discussed.