Figure 7. Proposed migration patterns for basal fiber ends in a Y-suture lens

A: Diagrammatic representation of the posterior aspect of the lens with lines of longitude (meridians) at 15° intervals around the equator. The meridians (green) converge at the posterior pole. B: Migration patterns of basal ends of straight fibers. These fiber ends (red) migrate along meridians to either the proximal ends of suture branches or to the distal ends of suture branches at the pole. C: Migration patterns of basal ends in fibers displaying end curvature. Although these fiber ends initially migrate along meridians, they later diverge from meridians to migrate along a curved path to the lateral aspects of the suture branches. D: Migration patterns of all basal fiber ends. By superimposing a latitudinal ring (blue) described by the proximal ends of sutures (gray), it can be seen that all basal fiber ends migrate along meridians until they reach the latitudinal ring. Whereas fibers that will eventually elongate to the distal end of suture branches at the posterior pole continue to migrate along meridians within the latitudinal ring, fibers that elongate to the proximal ends of sutures have completed their migration. In contrast, it is apparent that fiber ends that elongate to the lateral aspects of the suture branches diverge from meridians only after passing within the latitudinal ring.