Crystalline Lens Flashcards
In which chamber is the lens located?
Posterior chamber
Does the lens have a blood supply?
No - avascular
How does the lens get its nutrients?
Aqueous humor (lens is avascular)
What is considered the major refractive component of the eye?
Cornea
About how strong (diopters) is the lens?
15-20 D
Describe the structure (type) of the crystalline lens.
Biconvex - Plus on both sides
Describe the location of the crystalline lens
Within the posterior chamber.
Posterior to the iris and pupil.
Anterior to vitreous body.
Which pole of the lens is steeper? What does this curvature imply?
Posterior pole is steeper - smaller radius of curvature
Which pole of the lens is flatter?
Anterior pole
Where is the axis of the lens?
Connects the anterior pole and posterior pole (horizontal)
Where is the equator of the lens?
Connects the most superior point of lens with most inferior point (vertical)
What is the diameter (height) of the lens at birth?
6.5 mm
What is the diameter (height) of the lens after adolescence?
10 mm
What represents the diameter of the lens: axis or equator?
Equator
How does the adult lens change with age?
Thickness increases 0.02 mm/year.
The diameter does not increase significantly.
Is the thickness or diameter larger in the crystalline lens?
Diameter
What characteristic of the aging lens contributes to cataract formation?
Cells continuously dividing and reproducing with no change in diameter results in the cells getting very compacted/crowded.
The crowded cells are responsible for the yellowing/opacity of the lens - cataract.
What is the (unaccommodated) thickness of the adult lens?
4 mm
What is the power of a 40 year old’s lens?
8 D
What is the power of a 60 year old’s lens?
1-2 D
What is the reason for the non-uniform index of refraction in the crystalline lens?
Non-uniform distribution of crystallin proteins in the lens fibers
Where is the index of refraction higher?
Towards center and posterior
Which two structures does the Wieger’s Ligament attach?
Posterior surface of lens and vitreous
What is the patellar fossa?
The indent formed by the lens resting on Wieger’s Ligament
Where is Berger’s Space?
???
???Between the patellar fossa and Wieger’s Ligament???