Localization of cell apoptosis in the opaque portion of anterior polar cataract and anterior capsulotomy margin.

Fas, Caspase 3 and single-stranded (ss) DNA are indicators of cell apoptosis. In the present study, Fas, Caspase 3 and ssDNA were found in the pyramidal opaque portions of anterior polar cataracts and the opaque portions of the anterior capsulotomy margin following intraocular lens (IOL) implantation. It is thus possible that apoptosis occurs in the lens epithelial cells in these regions, and this finding may be related to the fact that the pyramidal opaque portion of anterior polar cataracts and the opaque portions of the anterior capsulotomy margin following IOL implantation do not spread beyond a given range.