Highlights

• Understanding the anatomical structure of the crystalline lens provides essential knowledge for performing cataract surgery as the structure(s) affected determines the techniques that the surgeon uses to achieve optimal outcomes for the patient.

• Developmental anomalies of the lens must be recognized early to prevent the development of amblyopia.

• Chronic postoperative endophthalmitis presents slowly because causative microorganisms are sequestered between the posterior capsule and the intraocular lens implant.

• Inflammation due to degeneration of the crystalline lens can cause various forms of glaucoma.

Excerpted from BCSC 2020-2021 series: Section 4 - Ophthalmic Pathology and Intraocular Tumors. For more information and to purchase the entire series, please visit https://www.aao.org/bcsc.