Pathological Changes of the Anterior Lens Capsule

The anterior lens capsule (ALC), as the thickest basement membrane in the body, is an acellular, soft, smooth, transparent membrane secreted by lens epithelial cells. The ALC has its unique biomechanical properties to serve as a barrier and separate the lens from infectious viruses and bacteria together with the posterior capsule and pericapsular membrane. However, the biomechanical and ultrastructural properties of the ALC can be changed under certain conditions. Here, we provide a brief review of the pathological changes of the ALC in several eye disorders, including cataract, aniridia, climatic droplet keratopathy, exfoliation syndrome, true exfoliation syndrome, Alport syndrome, and silicone oil tamponade.