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Ragged Eye
29 January 2012

Ragged Eye

Eyes are highly complex and intricate structures but problems can arise with age. In this image from an investigation of elderly Egyptian patients the lens in the centre has both cataract, making it cloudy, and ragged dandruff-like deposits known as pseudoexfoliation around the edge of the protective envelope. Pseudoexfoliation does not affect the function of the eye directly but this study, along with others, showed its presence is associated with a higher risk of common age-related blindness such as cataract and glaucoma. The image was taken using a specialised optical lens, known as a goniolens or gonioscope, which allows an ophthalmologist to see internal structures of the eye.

Written by Julie Webb

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BPoD stands for Biomedical Picture of the Day. Managed by the MRC Laboratory of Medical Sciences until Jul 2023, it is now run independently by a dedicated team of scientists and writers. The website aims to engage everyone, young and old, in the wonders of biology, and its influence on medicine. The ever-growing archive of more than 4000 research images documents over a decade of progress. Explore the collection and see what you discover. Images are kindly provided for inclusion on this website through the generosity of scientists across the globe.

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