Abstract
The principal function of the lens and the cornea is to focus light on the retina, thus allowing the central nervous system to receive complex representations of the outside world. In all vertebrate lenses, this function is achieved by highly elongated cells called “fibers” grouped together in a mass that is transparent, deformable, and capable of maintaining homeostasis for the life of the animal. To meet these stringent requirements, nature developed ingenious evolutionary adaptations to increase the cytoplasms' refraction index and to transport ions and nutrients to fibers within the lens interior. Present hypothesis proposes that the lens creates an “internal circulatory system” that links the transport of ions and water to the movement of nutrients and waste products. These fluxes balance the conflicting requirements of attaining a large spherical shape, transparency, and maintaining homeostasis of fibers placed far from their blood supply. Another hypothesis proposes that the lens epithelium generates a fluid transport from the aqueous humor into and through the lens, which contributes to nutrient transport and waste removal.
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