Lens Growth Research Articles

Characterizing molecular diffusion in the lens capsule

The lens capsule compartmentalizes the cells of the avascular lens from other ocular tissues. Small molecules required for lens cell metabolism, such as glucose, salts, and waste products, freely pass through the capsule. However, the lens capsule is selectively permeable to proteins such as growth hormones and substrate carriers which are required for proper lens growth and development. We used fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) to characterize the diffusional behavior of various sized dextrans (3, 10, 40, 150, and 250 kDa) and proteins endogenous to the lens environment (EGF, γD-crystallin, BSA, transferrin, ceruloplasmin, and IgG) within the capsules of whole living lenses. We found that proteins had dramatically different diffusion and partition coefficients as well as capsule matrix binding affinities than similar sized dextrans, but they had comparable permeabilities. We also found ionic interactions between proteins and the capsule matrix significantly influence permeability and binding affinity, while hydrophobic interactions had less of an effect. The removal of a single anionic residue from the surface of a protein, γD-crystallin [E107A], significantly altered its permeability and matrix binding affinity in the capsule. Our data indicated that permeabilities and binding affinities in the lens capsule varied between individual proteins and cannot be predicted by isoelectric points or molecular size alone.

In Utero Eye Development Documented by Fetal MR Imaging

To date, very limited attention has been given to ocular abnormalities or growth parameters detected by fetal MR imaging. Our objective was to retrospectively determine the relationship between different parameters of eye development and estimated gestational age in the human fetus by use of fetal MR imaging. A retrospective study was performed to measure the transverse diameter, interocular distance, and lens diameter of the globes of 127 fetuses who had a morphologically normal central nervous system. Multiple single-shot T2 fast spin-echo images were obtained with a 1.5T magnet by use of contiguous 3-mm intervals in at least 2 orthogonal planes. Loess curves were fitted to explore the relationship between gestational age and each of the 3 measurements of interest. Different models were compared statistically to determine the model of best fit. For each variable of interest, the "best" model of eye growth was a quadratic function. Specifically, lens growth seems to plateau after 36 weeks of gestation, interocular distance plateaus after 36 weeks of gestation, and globe growth plateaus after 42 weeks of gestation. The lens, orbit, and interocular distance growth of the fetus can be demonstrated on fetal MR imaging. All 3 measurements suggest a quadratic model of growth, which indicates slowing of growth toward the end of gestation.

Early lens development in the zebrafish: A three‐dimensional time‐lapse analysis

In vivo, high-resolution, time-lapse imaging characterized lens development in the zebrafish from 16 to 96 hr postfertilization (hpf). In zebrafish, the lens placode appeared in the head ectoderm, similar to mammals. Delamination of the surface ectoderm resulted in the formation of the lens mass, which progressed to a solid sphere of cells separating from the developing cornea at approximately 24 hpf. A lens vesicle was not observed and apoptosis was not a major factor in separation of the lens from the future cornea. Differentiation of primary fibers began in the lens mass followed by formation of the anterior epithelium after delamination was complete. Secondary fibers differentiated from elongating epithelial cells near the posterior pole. Quantification characterized three stages of lens growth. The study confirmed the advantages of live-cell imaging for three-dimensional quantitative structural characterization of the mechanism(s) responsible for cell differentiation in formation of a transparent, symmetric, and refractile lens.

Tensile strength of frozen soil in the temperature range of the frozen fringe

Abstract Frost heaving is a discontinuous phenomenon. It starts from rupture in the partially frozen soil called the frozen fringe and then segregation of an ice lens follows in the rupture. Macroscopically, the above-mentioned cycle repeats consistently as soil freezes. The rupture of the frozen fringe should govern the initial conditions of ice lens growth; however, it has not been studied so far. In this paper, the rupture is studied assuming that it has a close relationship with the tensile strength of the frozen fringe. The compressive strength of frozen soil was well-studied in the last century. However, the tensile strength of frozen soil in frozen fringe temperature range, i.e. 0 to − 2 °C, has not yet been explored. Disturbed, reconsolidated, and frozen diluvial silt called Dotan in Japan was used as the test specimen. A newly developed tensile test apparatus was used. Fifteen tensile tests were conducted in the temperature range of + 0.6 to − 1.31 °C. A steep rise in the tensile strength in the frozen fringe temperature range was observed, being 20 to 70 times higher than that in the unfrozen state. A mechanism of explaining the steep rise in tensile strength is discussed along with the unfrozen water content of Dotan and ice tensile strength, and a simplified soil structure model. The tensile strength of the frozen fringe seems to be primarily due to the tensile strength of the pore ice framework.

HIF-1: An Age-Dependent Regulator of Lens Cell Proliferation

The lens grows throughout life, and lens size is a major risk factor for nuclear and cortical cataracts. A previous study showed that the hypoxic environment around the lens suppressed lens growth in older rats. The present study was conducted to investigate the mechanism responsible for the age-dependent decline in lens cell proliferation. Transgenic mice expressing Cre recombinase in the lens were bred to mice containing floxed Hif1a alleles. Transgenic mice expressing oxygen insensitive forms of HIF-1alpha in lens epithelial cells were exposed to room air or 60% oxygen. Proliferation was measured by BrdU labeling and cell death by using the TUNEL assay. Morphology was assessed in histologic sections. HIF-1alpha and p27(KIP1) levels were determined by Western blot. The expression of HIF-regulated genes was assessed on microarrays. Lenses lacking Hif1a degenerated, precluding study in older animals. Breathing 60% oxygen reduced HIF-1alpha levels and HIF-1-regulated transcripts in lens epithelial cells from young and older lenses. Overexpression of oxygen-insensitive HIF-1alpha had no effect on lens size, but suppressed increased proliferation in response to oxygen. Systemic injection of the iron chelator, 1,10-phenanthroline prevented the degradation of HIF-1alpha and reduced oxygen-induced proliferation. Increasing oxygen decreased levels of p27(KIP1) in the epithelial cells of older mice, which was prevented by expressing oxygen-insensitive forms of HIF-1alpha. HIF-1alpha is present and HIF-1 is transcriptionally active throughout life, but suppresses growth only in older lenses. Maintaining elevated levels of p27(KIP1) in older lenses requires HIF-1. p27(KIP1) and other growth regulators may selectively suppress the proliferation of older lens epithelial cells.

Growth of the lens: in vitro observations

Understanding the normal functioning of the human lens and its role in the development of disorders of vision, such as presbyopia and cataract, requires a thorough knowledge of how the lens grows and how its properties change with age. Many of these properties can be obtained only by studying the isolated organ in vitro. In addition, because of the difficulties in obtaining human tissues, animal lenses are frequently used as models for the human lens. Information is needed for these as well. In this review, current knowledge of lens growth and factors that affect growth are examined in a variety of species. Topics covered include changes in lens weight, dimensions, stiffness and refractive index distribution with age and the influence of other factors such as gender, environment and body size. From these, it has become clear that lens growth is not greatly affected by external influences. Although there are many similarities in the growth of lenses from different species, humans (and probably all primates) have distinctly different growth patterns, with prenatal and postnatal growth having different regulatory mechanisms. As a result, human lens properties are different from those of other species. Unfortunately, many of the published data are unreliable, presumably because of post‐mortem changes, making it difficult to extrapolate in vitro observations to the in vivo situation.

Age-Dependent Control of Lens Growth by Hypoxia

The lens grows continuously throughout life, but the factors that influence the size of the adult lens are not known. Lens thickness is a significant risk factor for age-related cataract. It has been postulated that the hypoxic environment in the eye protects the lens from nuclear cataracts. The authors sought to determine whether the Po(2) in the eye regulates lens growth. Lens cell proliferation was determined by counting BrdU-labeled and total nuclei in the germinative zone in flatmounts of lens epithelia. Oxygen levels in the eye were altered by having rats breathe 11%, 21% (room air), or 60% oxygen. Oxygen levels in the vitreous were measured with a fiberoptic oxygen sensor. The BrdU-labeling index in the germinative zone declined from approximately 3.5% at 1 month to less than 0.7% at 8 months. Raising oxygen levels in the eyes of 1-month-old animals did not alter the rate of lens cell proliferation. Elevating intraocular oxygen in animals older than 1 month increased proliferation to the more rapid rate seen at 1 month. Decreasing oxygen levels below their normally low level did not affect the BrdU-labeling index at any age. Chronic exposure to increased oxygen led to the production of more lens fiber cells and larger lenses. Normal age-related decline in lens growth requires the low oxygen level normally present in the eye. Increases in lens cell number and mass may account for some of the increase in cataract risk caused by chronic exposure of the lens to elevated oxygen levels.

Equatorial Lens Growth Predicts the Age-related Decline in Accommodative Amplitude That Results in Presbyopia and the Increase in Intraocular Pressure That Occurs With Age

Equatorial Lens Growth Predicts the Age-related Decline in Accommodative Amplitude That Results in Presbyopia and the Increase in Intraocular Pressure That Occurs With Age

Accommodation‐ presbyopia: mechanism etiology

The purpose of the presentation is to elucidate the mechanism of accommodation and etiology of the age‐related decline in accommodative amplitude that results in presbyopia in the fifth decade of life. Multiple physical, mathematical, clinical, in vitro, and in vivo experiments demonstrate that the human crystalline lens develops an unusual shape during accommodation. Central lens thickness increases; the curvatures of the central surfaces of the lens steepen; while the peripheral surfaces of the lens flatten. This ‘steep profile’ also occurs in other biconvex objects that have an aspect ratio ≤ 0.6 (minor axis to major axis ratio) in response to a small equatorial displacement when the volume of the object only minimally changes. The ‘steep profile’ even occurs when the major axis of an ellipse with an aspect ratio ≤ 0.6 is increased and the area enclosed by the ellipse is held constant or permitted to decrease by 2%. The universality of the occurrence of a ‘steep profile’ implies that the lens is under increased tension during accommodation. This hypothesis was confirmed by using high‐resolution anterior segment optical coherence tomography (OCT) to measure the change of stress on the anterior lens capsule in patients who had undergone a phakic refractive intraocular lens (PRL) at least 1 year prior to the study. The PRL served as an internal control. It was found that during a mean of 8‐diopters of in vivo accommodation, the stress on the lens was increased during accommodation, p < 0.001. The increased stress on the lens capsule during accommodation occurs as a consequence of increased equatorial zonular tension. Normal equatorial lens growth predicts both the age‐related decline in accommodative amplitude and the age‐related increase in intraocular pressure (IOP). The rapid decline in accommodative amplitude and rapid increase in IOP that occur during childhood and their slower changes thereafter, both match the logarithmic pattern of equatorial lens growth, R2 = 0.90. In summary, the lens is under increased stress during accommodation as a consequence of increased equatorial zonular tension. Normal equatorial lens growth is the etiology of both the age‐related decline in accommodative amplitude that results in presbyopia in the fifth decade of life and the increase in IOP that occurs with age.

Optimal Lens Epithelial Cell Proliferation Is Dependent on the Connexin Isoform Providing Gap Junctional Coupling

Gap junctions between epithelial cells are essential for normal lens growth. In mice, knockout of Cx50 or targeted replacement of Cx50 with Cx46 (knockin) caused smaller lenses because of decreased epithelial cell proliferation. However, it remains unclear whether Cx50 functionally contributes to lens epithelial coupling during maximal proliferation on postnatal day 2 (P2) and P3. To determine which connexins functionally contribute to epithelial cell coupling and proliferation, junctional coupling from epithelial cells of wild-type and knockin mice was examined. Epithelial cells were isolated from wild-type or knockin mice at different developmental ages. Junctional currents were measured by dual whole cell voltage clamp. Cell proliferation was assayed by BrdU incorporation. Connexins were immunolocalized using specific antibodies. Junctional currents between lens epithelial cells exhibited a developmentally regulated sensitivity to quinine, a drug that blocks Cx50 gap junctions, but not Cx43 or Cx46. Single-channel currents had a unitary conductance of 210 pS, typical of Cx50. Immunocytochemical staining showed Cx43 and Cx50 were abundantly expressed in wild-type cells, and Cx46 replaced Cx50 in knockin cells. A correlation between functional activity of Cx50 and maximal proliferation was also found. In epithelial cells from P3 wild-type mice, there was a high density of BrdU-labeled nuclei in both the central epithelium and the equatorial epithelium, and 60% or more of total coupling was provided by Cx50. In older cells, proliferation was greatly reduced, and the contribution of Cx50 to total coupling was progressively reduced (45% or less on P12; 25% or less on P28). Coupling between epithelial cells of Cx46 knockin mice was similar in magnitude to that of wild-type mice but had pharmacologic and biophysical characteristics of Cx46. This functional replacement of Cx50 with Cx46 was correlated with 71% and 13% reductions in BrdU-labeled cells in the P3 central epithelium and equatorial epithelium, respectively. These results reconcile previous genetic studies showing that Cx50 influences epithelial cell proliferation, with numerous studies suggesting that Cx43 was the principal epithelial cell connexin. They further show that the contribution of Cx50 is highest during peak postnatal proliferation but progressively declines with age thereafter.

Duration of ERK1/2 phosphorylation induced by FGF or ocular media determines lens cell fate

The ocular environment is important for the establishment and maintenance of lens growth patterns and polarity. In the anterior chamber of the eye, the aqueous humour regulates lens epithelial cell proliferation whereas in the posterior, the vitreous humour regulates the differentiation of the lens cells into fiber cells. Members of the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) growth factor family have been shown to induce lens epithelial cells to undergo cell division and differentiate into fibers, with a low dose of FGF able to induce cell proliferation (but not fiber differentiation), and higher doses required to induce fiber differentiation. Both these cellular events have been shown to be regulated by the MAPK/ERK1/2 signalling pathway. In the present study, to better understand the contribution of ERK1/2 signalling in regulating lens cell proliferation and differentiation, we characterized the ERK1/2 signalling profiles induced by different doses of FGF, and compared these to those induced by the different ocular media. Here, we show that FGF induced a dose-dependent sustained activation of ERK1/2, with both a high (fiber differentiating) dose of FGF and vitreous, stimulating and maintaining a prolonged (up to 18 hr) ERK1/2 phosphorylation profile. In contrast, a lower (proliferating) dose of FGF, and aqueous, stimulated ERK1/2 phosphorylation for only up to 6 hr. If we selectively reduce the 18 hr ERK1/2 phosphorylation profile induced by vitreous to 6 hr, by specifically blocking FGF receptor signalling, the vitreous now fails to induce lens fiber differentiation but retains the ability to induce lens cell proliferation. These findings not only provide insights into the important role that FGF plays in the different ocular media that bathe the lens, but enlighten us on some of the putative molecular mechanisms by which one specific growth factor, in this case FGF, can elicit a different cellular response in the same cell type.

Connexins in Lens Development and Cataractogenesis

The lens is an avascular organ that transmits and focuses light images onto the retina. Intercellular gap junction channels, formed by at least three different connexin protein subunits, alpha1 (connexin43 or Gja1), alpha3 (connexin46 or Gja3) and alpha8 (connexin50 or Gja8), are utilized to transport metabolites, ions and water in the lens. In combination with physiological and biochemical analyses, recent genetic studies have significantly improved our understanding about the roles of diverse gap junction channels formed by alpha3 and alpha8 connexin subunits during lens development and cataract formation. These studies have demonstrated that alpha3 connexin is essential for lens transparency while alpha8 connexin is important for lens growth and transparency. Diverse gap junction channels formed by alpha3 and alpha8 subunits are important for the differentiation, elongation and maturation of lens fiber cells. Aberrant gap junction communication, caused by alterations of channel assembly, channel gating or channel conductance, can lead to different types of cataracts. These findings provide some molecular insights for essential roles of connexins and gap junctions in lens formation and the establishment and maintenance of lifelong lens transparency.

Measurement of anterior lens growth after acute primary angle-closure glaucoma

Case report: A 51-year-old woman presented with bilateral acute primary angle-closure glaucoma. Glaukomflecken were prominent. Anterior lens growth in front of the glaukomflecken was measured 12 years later.Comments: Lens thickness is important in the pathogenesis of acute primary angle closure, and lens growth can become significant with time in eyes already at risk.

Eye lens weight and nitrogen content predict beef animal age (2007)

With the emergence of Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and the necessity to guarantee cattle ages to meet export requirements of some countries, the need to accurately determine age is paramount to the worldwide beef industry. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) estimates that only approximately 5% of U.S. beef cattle have documented chronological ages. Several methods for determining or predicting cattle age exist, including vertebra ossification, lean color, and dentition. Current systems can be criticized due to their subjectivity and subsequent inherent variability. Because concerns exist about current methods of determining cattle age, we investigated the use of the bovine eye lens to determine cattle age. Researchers have found that the eye lens grows continually throughout life, and that all animals exhibit a similar lens growth pattern. Lens properties, specifically weight and nitrogen content, are highly related to age of kangaroos, and are also minimally affected by diet and environment for swine. We hypothesized that eye lens weight and nitrogen content, alone or in combination, would more accurately predict the chronological age of cattle than dentition or carcass maturity.

Quantitative analysis of animal model lens anatomy: accommodative range is related to fiber structure and organization

The results of a recent study on accommodation in humans and baboons has revealed that lens fiber structure and organization are key components of the mechanism of accommodation. Dynamic focusing involves the controlled displacement and replacement, or realignment, of cortical fiber-ends at sutures as the mechanism of accommodation at the fiber level. This emended explanation of the mechanism of accommodation raises the following question: as the structure of crystalline lenses are only similar, not identical between species, is accommodative amplitude related to differences in the structure and organization of fibers between species? To address this question, we have quantitatively examined the structure and organization of fibers in a number of the more commonly used animal models (mice, cattle, frogs, rabbits and chickens) for lens research. Lenses (a minimum of 12-18 lenses/species) from mice, cattle, frogs and rabbits were used for this study. Prior to fixation for structural analysis, measurements of the gross shape of the lenses (equatorial diameter, anterior and posterior minor radii [anterior + posterior minor radius = polar axis]) were taken directly through a stereo surgical dissecting microscope equipped with an ocular reticle. Lenses were then prepared for and examined by light (LM), transmission (TEM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Scale computer-assisted drawings (CADs) of lenses and lens fibers were then constructed from quantitative data as described above and from quantitative data contained in micrographs. The differences in fiber structure and organization that effect accommodative range arise early in development and are continued throughout lifelong lens growth. In umbilical suture lenses (avian) secondary fibers develop with almost completely tapered anterior ends (85-90% reduction of their measures of width and thickness at the equator). By comparison, in lenses with line sutures (e.g. frogs and rabbits) secondary fibers develop with just a 50-60% reduction in anterior fiber taper. In lenses with Y sutures (mice and cattle), fiber width taper is only 25-40%. However, in all cases, while the taper of the posterior end width of fibers is just slightly less (approx. 15-20%) than that of anterior ends, posterior end thickness is only reduced by one half that of anterior thickness. In humans, the mechanism of accommodation at the fiber level involves the controlled realignment of very flattened and flared, rather than tapered fiber-ends at sutures. In this manner, the simultaneous increase in lens thickness and surface curvature in the accommodated state is the result of fiber-ends being overlapped along multiple (9-12) suture branches covering the majority of the anterior and posterior surfaces. The results of this animal study strongly suggest that accommodative range is directly related to quantitative differences in fiber structure and organization in the different suture types. The very broad accommodative range in birds is made possible, at least in part, by the almost complete tapering of fiber-ends at umbilical sutures. In contrast, the essentially negligible accommodative range of animals that have line- and Y-suture lenses is at least partially the result of the fact that these lenses have fibers with very little end taper. Thus, the blunt ends of fibers in line- and Y-suture lenses precludes any significant overlap of end segments to effect accommodation.

One-Dimensional Transient Model for Frost Heave in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells: I. Physical Model

To better understand, control, and mitigate degradation during freezing of a polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs), a one-dimensional (1D) transient model has been formulated, based on theories of porous media flow and soil frost heave. The model is essentially a modified hybrid of Harlan’s hydraulic model and Miller’s rigid ice model with additional improvements for suitable application to PEFCs. It is found that the three types of characteristic curves for unfrozen water flow and frost heave modeling can be well unified. Methods to derive the unfrozen water vs temperature characteristic curves for PEFC components are also given. Through the formulated model, it is predicted that ice lens will occur most likely around the catalyst layer, either between catalyst layer and diffusion media, or between catalyst layer and Nafion membrane. Lens formation under the lands is unlikely due to high overburden pressure. Ice lens growth may explain breakthrough observed in carbon paper after freeze-thaw tests. Another phenomenon, the delamination between Nafion and catalyst layer, can possibly be explained by the formation of an ice lens from water expelled from the electrolyte during freezing. The Nafion thickness and initial water content have direct impact on the damage in this mode.

Ras signaling is essential for lens cell proliferation and lens growth during development

The vertebrate ocular lens is a simple and continuously growing tissue. Growth factor-mediated receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are believed to be required for lens cell proliferation, differentiation and survival. The signaling pathways downstream of the RTKs remain to be elucidated. Here, we demonstrate the important role of Ras in lens development by expressing a dominant-negative form of Ras (dn-Ras) in the lens of transgenic mice. We show that lens in the transgenic mice was smaller and lens growth was severely inhibited as compared to the wild-type lens. However, the lens shape, polarity and transparency appeared normal in the transgenic mice. Further analysis showed that cell proliferation is inhibited in the dn-Ras lens. For example, the percentage of 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU)-labeled cells in epithelial layer was about 2- to 3-fold lower in the transgenic lens than in the wild-type lens, implying that Ras activity is required for normal cell proliferation during lens development. We also found a small number of apoptotic cells in both epithelial and fiber compartment of the transgenic lens, suggesting that Ras also plays a role in cell survival. Interestingly, although there was a delay in primary fiber cell differentiation, secondary fiber cell differentiation was not significantly affected in the transgenic mice. For example, the expression of β- and γ-crystallins, the marker proteins for fiber differentiation, was not changed in the transgenic mice. Biochemical analysis indicated that ERK activity, but not Akt activity, was significantly reduced in the dn-Ras transgenic lenses. Overall, our data imply that the RTK-Ras-ERK signaling pathway is essential for cell proliferation and, to a lesser extent, for cell survival, but not for crystallin gene expression during fiber differentiation. Thus, some of the fiber differentiation processes are likely mediated by RTK-dependent but Ras-independent pathways.

Lens Regeneration in Mammals: A Review

Lens regeneration occurs in New Zealand albino rabbits after endocapsular lens extraction, if the anterior and posterior capsules remain relatively intact. Research beginning in the 19th century showed that regeneration of the lens begins as early as 2 weeks postoperatively, depends on the size of the capsulotomy and how it has scarred, and is faster in younger animals. More recently, implantation of embryonic ectoderm at the time of lens removal has been shown to improve the growth and quality of the regenerated lenses. Lens fiber differentiation follows a process similar to embryological development with proliferation of epithelial cells along the anterior and posterior capsule, elongation of the posterior epithelial cells, and differentiation into lens fibers. Signals required for lens fiber differentiation include FGF, IGF-1, and TGF-beta. Identifying other signals, and providing these factors to the regenerating lens, could speed up lens regeneration and improve normality of the resulting structure. The regenerated lenses contain the same proteins as normal lenses, including all the major crystallins (alpha, beta, and gamma). However, regenerated lenses have typically been irregular in shape due to lack of lens growth at the site of the anterior capsulotomy and its adhesion to the posterior capsule. Sealing the capsulotomy and refilling the bag to maintain its shape seem to allow for more normal lens regeneration. Lens regeneration is a potential approach to restoring normal vision after cataract surgery. Importantly, lenses have been shown to regenerate after removal of cataracts in several mammals, and primate lenses do have regenerative capability.

In vitro dimensions and curvatures of human lenses

The purpose of this study was to determine dimensions and curvatures of excised human lenses using the technique of shadowphotogrammetry. A modified optical comparator and digital camera were used to photograph magnified sagittal and coronal lens profiles. Equatorial diameter, anterior and posterior sagittal thickness, anterior and posterior curvatures, and shape factors were obtained from these images. The data were used to calculate lens volumes, which were compared with the lens weights. Measurements were made on 37 human lenses ranging in age from 20 to 99 years. These showed that lens dimensions and the anterior radius of curvature increase linearly throughout adult life while posterior curvature remains constant. The relative shape (or aspect ratio) of the posterior lens is unchanged through adult life since both equatorial diameter and posterior thickness increase at the same rate. The ratio of anterior thickness to posterior thickness is constant at 0.70. It is suggested that in vivo forces alter the apparent location of the lens equator, that the in vitro lens shape corresponds to the maximally accommodated shape in vivo and that the shapes of the accommodated and unaccommodated lens progressively converge toward each other due to lens growth with age, with a convergence point located near the age of total loss of accommodation (55–60 years). Together, these observations provide additional support for the Helmholtz theory of accommodation.

Inducing Form-Deprivation Myopia in Fish

To induce form deprivation myopia in fish and investigate the role of the lens in the development of refractive error. Tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus), approximately 4 months old and from 26 to 63 g, were divided into three groups. Translucent goggles were directly sutured over the right eye for 4 weeks to induce form-deprivation myopia; the left eye served as an untreated contralateral control. The refractive state was measured by retinoscopy. Ocular dimensions were determined from frozen sections and with ultrasound biomicroscopy, and a scanning laser system was used to determine the optical quality of excised lenses. After 4 weeks of form-deprivation treatment, all the deprived fish eyes showed development of significant amounts of myopia ranging from -3.75 to -26.25 D, with the average amounting to -10.27 +/- 1.14 D. Eye dimension measurements show that the vitreous and anterior chambers of the treated eye are significantly longer axially than those of the contralateral eyes. No significant change in optical quality was found between lenses of the myopic and nonmyopic eyes. The fish recovered completely from the myopia 5 days after the goggle was removed. Although lower vertebrates are capable of lifelong growth, their eyes are susceptible to form-deprivation myopia. Thus, the visual environment is an important factor controlling ocular development in lower vertebrates, as well as in higher ones, and eye development is not strictly genetically determined. This study also indicates that lens growth and optical development are largely independent from the refractive development of the whole eye.