How to determine the significance of a cataract

Cataracts are defined as opacities of the lens and/or its capsule. The lens comprises a very precise spatial geometric arrangement of metabolically active and optically clear cells. These are contained within an elastic capsule derived from the basement membrane of the ectodermal lens vesicle in the embryo, and which acts as the basement membrane of the anterior epithelium. Lens cells are produced throughout pre- and postnatal life. Originating from the polar anterior epithelium these cells migrate equatorially before elongating to send extensions towards the anterior and posterior poles. Diametrically opposed extensions make contact anteriorly and posteriorly to form the lens ‘Y’ sutures. These cells are progressively internalised by succeeding generations of cells, in the process losing their nucleus and organelles and acquiring an optically clear cytoplasm ...