Zonules

Zonules of Zinn (also known as Zonule fibers or Suspensory ligaments of the lens) are a series of fibers connecting the ciliary body with the crystalline lens of the eye. These fibers are responsible for holding the lens in place and adjusting its shape during accommodation.

Structure

The zonules are composed of fine, thread-like strands of connective tissue that extend from the ciliary body to the lens. They are primarily made up of fibrillin, a glycoprotein that provides elasticity and strength.

Function

The primary function of the zonules is to hold the lens in place within the eye. They also play a crucial role in the process of accommodation, which is the ability of the eye to adjust its focus from distant to near objects. When the ciliary muscle contracts, the tension on the zonules decreases, allowing the lens to become more convex and increase its refractive power. Conversely, when the ciliary muscle relaxes, the tension on the zonules increases, causing the lens to become more flat and decrease its refractive power.

Clinical significance

Damage or weakening of the zonules can lead to ectopia lentis, a dislocation or malposition of the lens. This can occur as a result of aging, trauma, or certain genetic disorders such as Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to reposition or replace the lens.

See also

• Ciliary muscle
• Crystalline lens
• Accommodation (eye)

External

• Age-Related Macular Degeneration

• Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)

• Anophthalmia and Microphthalmia

• Astigmatism

B

• Behçet's Disease* Bietti's Crystalline Dystrophy

• Blepharitis* Blepharospasm

C

• Cataracts

• Coloboma

• Color Blindness

• Corneal Conditions

D

• Diabetic Retinopathy

• Dry Eye

F

• Floaters

G

• Glaucoma

I

• Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension

L

• Low Vision

M

• Macular Edema

• Macular Hole

• Macular Pucker

P

• Pink Eye

R

• Rare Diseases

• Refractive Errors

• Retinal Detachment

• Retinitis Pigmentosa

• Retinoblastoma

• Retinopathy of Prematurity

S

• Stargardt Disease

U

• Usher Syndrome

• Uveitis

V

• Vitreous Detachment

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