The Crystalline is an organ located inside the eyeball. It is also called a lens, as it is a natural transparent lens of the eye that, together with the cornea, allows light rays to be focused on the retina.
How the Crystalline works
The Crystalline converges the light waves that penetrate the eye; the image projected at the retinal level is thus brought into focus. The function is similar to that of the lens in a camera. In particular, the function of the lens is to vary the focal length of the optical system by adapting it to the distance of the observed image and making its vision clear. To perform its function, the lens must be absolutely transparent and elastic.
Accommodation of the Crystalline
Accommodation is the ability of the Crystalline to modify the refractive power in near and far vision.
Elasticity of the Crystalline
The elasticity of the lens decreases with age, when presbyopia occurs. Transparency and thickness also undergo physiological changes.
Crystalline and ultraviolet rays
The Crystalline has the ability to absorb some of the ultraviolet rays; an action to protect the retina.
What is the structure of the Crystalline
The Crystalline is a biconvex lens located between the iris and the vitreous body; it is a structure that is originally completely transparent, located in the anterior area of the eyeball. The lens is kept in its natural seat by an apparatus consisting of zonular fibers, i.e., very thin tendons of connective tissue that anchor it to the ciliary body. The Crystalline and the ciliary body separate the eye into two parts: the anterior chamber where the aqueous humor is present and the posterior chamber where the vitreous humor is contained, which contributes to maintaining the spherical structure of the eyeball.
How is the Crystalline composed
The Crystalline is made up of the capsule, also called crystalloid, which covers the Crystalline; the subcapsular epithelium that covers the inner surface of the capsule; the parenchyma, the proper substance of the Crystalline.
Is there an artificial crystalline lens?
Yes, the artificial crystalline lens is a small lens that is inserted inside the eye.
What is the artificial crystalline lens made of?
Theartificial crystalline lens is made of plastic material and imitates the natural one: it is transparent, very thin and elastic.
When is an artificial crystalline lens inserted?
The replacement of the crystalline is the intervention generally recommended when there is a visual defect, for example a high myopia or astigmatism, etc., and/or an onset of cataract. In fact, the cataract makes the lens opaque and therefore it needs to be replaced with a transparent artificial one.
How long does the operation to insert the artificial crystalline lens last?
It varies: for example, for the treatment of cataract it takes 10-20 minutes, within which an intraocular lens is inserted in place of the lens that allows an excellent recovery of visual capacity.