Refractive index of lens fiber membranes in different parts of the crystalline lens

Ralph Michael; Jan van Marle; Gijs F.J.M. Vrensen; Thomas J.T.P. van den Berg

doi:10.1117/12.470590

13 June 2002 Refractive index of lens fiber membranes in different parts of the crystalline lens

Ralph Michael, Jan van Marle, Gijs F.J.M. Vrensen, Thomas J.T.P. van den Berg

Proceedings Volume 4611, Ophthalmic Technologies XII; (2002) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.470590
Event: International Symposium on Biomedical Optics, 2002, San Jose, CA, United States

Abstract

Purpose: Local variations in refractive index are an important physical cause of light scattering in the lens. The goal of this study was to further add to the understanding of the process of light propagation in the lens by directly measuring local variations in refractive index by phase contrast microscopy. Methods: Refractive index was estimated by immersion refractometry. Cryo-sections of quick frozen human donor lenses were embedded in a graded series of bovine serum albumin solutions, and in immersion oil. Results: Superficial cortical fiber membranes proved to have a refractive index considerably above values given for cytoplasm at the same location. Nuclear fiber membranes have a refractive index of the same order as given in the literature for nuclear fiber cytoplasm. Conclusion: The large difference in refractive index between fiber membranes and cytoplasm in the lens cortex may be important for optical function and transparency of the lens. Support: Marie Curie Fellowship of the European Community program Quality of Life (QLK6-CT-1999-51159).

Citation Download Citation

Ralph Michael, Jan van Marle, Gijs F.J.M. Vrensen, and Thomas J.T.P. van den Berg "Refractive index of lens fiber membranes in different parts of the crystalline lens", Proc. SPIE 4611, Ophthalmic Technologies XII, (13 June 2002); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.470590

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