The lens Flashcards
Explain why the lens is transparent
Lens transparency is dependent on several factors:
- lack of blood supply, pigment and a relative state of dehydration
- low cellularity
- lack of organelles and nuclei within the lens fibers
- lens proteins are predominantly soluble and are arranged in a highly organised lattice pattern
How frequent is cataract in cats
A cataract is defined as an opacity of the lens or its capsule
Primary cataracts are rare
Secondary cataracts are more common and may occur as a result of:
- traumatic injury
- chronic uveitis
- lens luxation
- glaucoma
- senility
The most common cause of cataract in cats is chronic anterior uveitis
How do you explain the low incidence of cataract in diabetic cats compared to diabetic dogs
The low incidence of cataracts in diabetic cats relates to the low activity of aldose reductase in the feline lens
What are the main causes of lens luxation
Chronic anterior uveitis
Glaucoma
