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This abstract is assigned to session FRO: Fund for Research in Ophthalmology

Title	FRO: Surprising immunohistochemistry of the vitreolenticular interface in developmental cataracts
Abstract Nr.	1033

Purpose	Developmental cataracts often present with a posterior subcapsular plaque and strong vitreolenticular adherence, making posterior capsulorhexis much more challenging. We believe that more insights on the histology of these anomalies of the vitreolenticular interface in developmental cataracts will be beneficial to improve surgical outcomes.
Methods	Samples of the posterior lens capsule were collected from 3 children being operated for developmental cataract. These samples included the opaque subcapsular plaque and the adhesions towards the vitreous. Staining for collagen type II and IV was performed using indirect immunohistochemistry. The same procedure was used in 6 controls, posterior lens capsules of 3 children with lamellar cataract and of 3 adults with senile cataract, presenting a normal vitreolenticular interface during surgery.
Results	All capsules were build up out of collagen type IV and no disruptions in the integrity of the capsules were noted. In all samples of developmental cataract cases collagen type II was found on the outer surface of the posterior lens capsule and inside the posterior subcapsular plaque. No collagen type II could be found in the control samples.
Conclusion	Collagen type II was found adhering to the posterior surface of the posterior lens capsule in all cases of developmental cataract, indicating a dysgenesis of Berger’s space. Surprisingly collagen type II was also found inside of the posterior subcapsular plaques of these cataracts.

Authors 1

Last name	VAN LOOVEREN
Initials	J
Department	Antwerp University Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology. Antwerp University, Faculty of Medicine
City	Antwerp

Authors 2

Last name	Van Gerwen
Initials	V
Department	Antwerp University, Faculty of Medicine
City	Antwerp

Authors 3

Last name	Tassignon
Initials	MJ
Department	Antwerp University Hospital, Department of Ophthalmology. Antwerp University, Faculty of Medicine
City	Antwerp