Lens Epithelial Cells

Definition

Lens epithelial cells adhere to the anterior lens capsule and extend to the equatorial lens bow. Their proliferative capacity varies according to their location. At the equator constant cell division is responsible for the formation of new fibers and lens growth throughout life (Boulton and Saxby 2004).

Histology

Lens epithelial cells have a cuboidal shape and a size of approximately 10 μm height and 15 μm width (Boulton and Saxby 2004). A monolayer of anterior cells (A-cells) with minimal mitotic activity is located on the anterior capsule. These cells can proliferate and undergo a pseudofibrous metaplasia under pathological conditions. The E-cells can be found at the lens capsule equator. These cells are not only very active in terms of mitosis but are also able to proliferate and migrate when traumatized (Apple et al. 1992; Pandey et al. 2004). In the phakic healthy eye, the posterior lens capsule is cell-free.

Electron Microscopy

The nuclei of lens epithelial cells are...