Style #2 for doing lens ablations A with the micromanipulator, slowly bring down the needle by the side of the lens and puncture the surface ectoderm. While inside the optic cup, position the needle so that it is under the lens B with a coordinated motion of the hand holding the Petri dish and the micromanipulator, move the needle away from the eye with the lens position in the center. The optic cup will distend until it rips open, with the lens bursting out of the eye cup.