Study of changes in colour and morphological parameters in human cataractous lens nuclei

ABSTRACT

Introduction: Opacification of the lens of the eye which makes it blind is called cataract. This study deals withthe cataractous lenses removed from the patients residing in a rural area like marathwada region and was doneat S.R.T.R. Medical College Ambajogai. This topic was chosen as this type of study has never been done before inthis region. From anatomical point of view the morphologic features of the lens nuclei removed by extracapsularcataract extraction method are studied and compared with age and sex of patient.Materials and methods: The lens nuclei removed by extracapsular extraction method were collected in plainbulbs and preserved in 10% formalin for morphological observations. Detailed case history of the patient isrecorded. Colour of lens nuclei was recorded and changes in diameter, thickness and wet weight of lens nucleiaccording to colour were studied. Diameter and thickness was measured with vernier caliper while weight ismeasured with two pan scientific balance. Pirie’s classification was used to divide the lens in four groups.Results: According to our study mean diameter of lens nuclei goes on increasing from Group I to Group IV in bothmen and women and similar findings are observed for mean thickness and weight of lens nuclei in both male andfemale.Discussion: Our study found statistically significant increase in thickness, diameter and weight of lens as thecolour of lens nuclei deepens. Our findings are compared with other workers. These morphological findings maybe useful for the ophthalmologists to correlate with their clinical observations.Conclusion: Our study found that morphological parameters of lens change as its colour deepens.