The lens capsule is a component of the globe of the eye. It is a clear, membrane-like structure composed ofcollagen IV and laminin that is quite elastic, a quality that keeps it under constant tension. As a result, the lens naturally tends towards a rounder or more globular configuration, a shape it must assume for the eye to focus at a near distance. Lens capsule is the thickest basement membrane in the body. Normally, the lens capsule serves as a diffusion barrier. It is permeable to low molecular weight compounds but restricts the movement of large colloidal particles.
Anatomy
The lens capsule is a transparent membrane that surrounds the entire lens. Capsule is thinnest at posterior pole with approximate thickness of 3.5μm. Average thickness at the equator is 7μm. Anterior pole thickness increases with age from 11-15μm. Thickest portion of capsule is annular region surrounding the anterior pole. This will also increases with age. Even though capsule is a highly elastic structure, it contains no elastic fibers. Elasticity is because of the thick lamellar arrangement of the collagen fibers.
Embryology
The lens vesicle is developed from surface ectoderm. It will separate from surface ectoderm at approximately day 33. Lens capsule developed from basal lamina of lens vesicle will cover early lens fibers. Capsule is evident at 5 weeks of gestation.
Vascular lens capsule
During fetal development vascular lens capsule develop from the mesenchyme that surrounds the lens. It receives arterial blood supply from the hyaloid artery. This blood supply slowly regress and vascular capsule disappear before birth. The disappearance of the anterior vascular capsule of the lens is useful in estimating the gestational age.
Function
The capsule helps give the lens its spherical shape.
Accommodation
Normally, when ciliary muscles are in relaxed state, the zonules will pull the capsule. Due to this zonular tension anterior lens surface becomes flat. When ciliary muscles contract, this zonular tension will reduce allowing lens to assume more spherical shape. This shape change increase the whole power of the eye, and people will be able to see near clearly. The process of changing lens power to see near clearly is known as accommodation.
In intra-capsular cataract extraction, whole lens including capsule is removed. During more common extra capsular cataract surgery procedures like micro inscision cataract surgery, phacoemulsification etc., clouded lens is removed through opening made in anterior lens capsule. The intraocular lens is then inserted into the lens capsule. The best place for intraocular lens implantation is within the capsular bag. Posterior capsular opacification and posterior capsule rupture are common complications of cataract surgery.
