Changes in fractal dimension and lacunarity as early markers of UV-induced apoptosis

► We use fractal analysis to evaluate ultrastructural changes in UV-induced apoptosis. ► Cell images obtained by optical microscopy were subjected to fractal analysis. ► Celullar fractal dimension and nuclear lacunarity decrease in apoptotic cells. ► Fractal analysis detects apoptotic changes earlier than the conventional methods. ► Fractal analysis is an affordable method for early detection of apoptosis.