Crystalline Lens Flashcards
What is the crystalline lens
A biconvex structure
What is the lens posterior to
Iris and pupil
What is the lens anterior to
The vitreous body
What surface of the lens is steeper
The posterior (5-8 mm ROC)
The anterior is 8-14 mm RoC
Where are the poles of the lens
In the center of the anterior and posterior curvatures
What is the axis of the lens
The line connecting the 2 poles
What is the diameter of the lens at birth
6.5 mm
What is the diameter and thickness of the lens in an adult
10 mm diameter
4 mm thick
T/F the diameter of the lens changes significantly as we age
False, it does not increase significantly
The thickness of the lens increases by this amount every year
0.02 mm/yr
The total power of the eye is approximately
+60D
The lens accounts for _____ D of the total power of the eye
15-20D
The range of power of the lens is reduced by this amount by age 40
+8D
At age 60 what is the range of power of the lens
+1-2D
What causes the non uniform refractive index of the lens
The non-uniform distribution of crystallin proteins
What is the purpose of the anterior lens zonules
They keep the lens in position
The lens equator is _______ away from the ciliary processes of the pars plicata
0.5 mm
What attaches the posterior surface of the lens to the vitreous
Weiger’s ligament (there are 2)
What is the space where the lens sits
The patellar fossa
What are the 3 parts of the crystalline lens
Elastic capsule
Lens epithelium
Lens fibers
What is the thickness of the anterior lens capsule
20 microns (thickest in the body)
The lens capsule is in direct contact with this
The anterior lens epithelium
What secretes the anterior lens capsule
Anterior lens epithelium
Why is the posterior capsule so thin?
Because there is no posterior lens epithelium
The posterior capsule is secreted by lens fibers
How thick is the posterior lens capsule
3 microns
What collagen is the lens capsule made of
Type 4
What is the significance of the collagen fibers in the lens capsule
It allows the lens to stretch to 60% of its circumference without tearing