Observations on lens epithelial cells and their removal in anterior capsule specimens.

We studied the morphology and removal of lens epithelial cells in the following ways. In 49 senile cataractous eyes with a mean (+/- SD) age of 69 +/- 9 years, mean (+/- SD) cell density was 3574 +/- 512 cells/mm2 and mean (+/- SD) cell size was 281 +/- 48 micron 2. With age there was a significant decrease in cell density and an increase in cell size. Immediately after each of the following procedures was performed on the central anterior capsule during routine cataract surgery, the capsule was removed and observed. Procedures used were (1) aspiration, (2) aspiration with ultrasound, (3) instant single cryopexy application, (4) double cryopexy, and (5) double cryopexy followed by aspiration with ultrasound. Each procedure could destroy or remove lens epithelial cells completely. The procedure that we recommend is single cryopexy application followed by aspiration with ultrasound.