For what purpose do lens fibers become more elongated as they mature?

As lens fibers mature, they become more elongated primarily to facilitate the passage of light. This elongation helps to reduce light scattering within the lens, optimizing the clarity and focusing capability of the lens. When lens fibers are longer and more organized, they can align more closely and create a more uniform refractive surface, which contributes to better light transmission and less distortion.

The lens' primary function is to refract light onto the retina, and by elongating, lens fibers reduce the overall denser material and create a more streamlined structure that enhances this function. This is critical for maintaining clear vision as the eye focuses on objects at different distances.

While thickness, structural support, and metabolic activity are important aspects of lens health, the specific reason for lens fibers becoming elongated is particularly tied to the need for optimal light passage through the lens.