Lensfibre degeneration at cataract lenses. A LM, SEM and TEM investigation.

The degeneration process of lensfibres in a cataractous lens, described as the biochemical changes of a part of the lensproteins, can be characterised morphologically as follows: Emulsification of a part of the lensfibre-mass and the development of open spaces between the lensfibres with the formation of vacuoles (spherical structures) with a granular or a compact contents with high contrast, which is squeezed into the intercellular space. Degeneration of the ball & socket system interdigitation and microvilli domain system and the formation of almost empty rectangular structures in somewhat radial array. Balloon-like bulging of the cytoplasm of the lenscell, degeneration of the cytoplasm membrane and visualisation of a micro-filamentous network with enclosed cell organelles.