To evaluate the histopathological changes of anterior capsule and lens epithelial cells in various types of cataract.

Patients scheduled for cataract surgery of phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation were enrolled in this study. Anterior capsule tissues sized 5 mm were obtained at the time of continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis during surgery. Histological examination of the obtained tissue was performed by transmission electron microscope.

Nuclear cataract showed a uniform cuboidal monolayer of epithelial cells firmly attached to the anterior capsule. But, the mitochondria, Golgi apparatus, and endoplasmic reticulum were damaged and replaced with vacuoles. Anterior subcapsular cataract showed multilayers of epithelial cells with irregular intracellular structures. Epithelial cells of mature cataract were severely damaged and detached from the anterior capsule, accompanied by expansion of intra-cellular space and a large amount of vacuoles. Epithelial cells were irregular and severely damaged, and intracellular structures were hardly observed in traumatic cataract. Deposition of pseudoexfoliation materials on the anterior capsule was observed in pseudoexfoliation cataract.

Changes in epithelial cells caused by fluid accumulation and electrolyte imbalance in the lens attributes more to cataract formation than do changes the in lens capsule.