Nuclear vacuoles in nuclear cataract

Abstract

The human lens nucleus has always been described as a homogeneous part of the lens, and if any distinct opacities are found, these are considered to be congenital. However, in lenses with nuclear cataract, both of senile type and those induced by hyperbaric oxygen, we have found relatively transparent vacuoles in the nucleus of similar appearance as cortical vacuoles. In cataracts induced by hyperbaric oxygen the vacuoles were reversible to some extent. The vacuoles have been investigated with slit-lamp photography and quantitative microradiography. Nuclear vacuoles were found in 11 out of 25 patients treated with hyperbaric oxygen compared to 19 out of 100 pre-operatively examined senile nuclear cataracts. In the microradiographs the vacuoles appeared as dark rounded areas with a lower dry mass content (approximately 0.30 g X cm-3) than the surroundings (approximately 0.50 g X cm-3).

Lens retrodots and vacuoles and their associations with the prevalence and incidence of age-related cataract

“…8,[12][13][14] However, contrary to those studies, the prevalence of vacuoles in our study sample increased with age. Eyes with 3 þ vacuoles had significantly lower VA than those without vacuoles, which could be partly explained by their low refractive property.…”

“…10 They typically occur in isolation, although they can also be a component of posterior subcapsular (PSC) cataract, and are thought to be transient in nature. 1,11,12 They vary in size (B10 mm-1.3 mm in diameter 1 ) and appear to have minimal effect on vision. 1,8,9 The prevalence of retrodots varies from 3.4 to 39% (Table 1).…”

“…16 The prevalence of vacuoles varies from 5 to 59% (Table 1). 8,[12][13][14] Reports of risk factors associated with lens vacuoles are unavailable in the literature.…”