Optical properties of the lens: an explanation for the zones of discontinuity

Bahrami, Mehdi, Hoshino, Masato, Pierscionek, Barbara, Yagi, Naoto, Regini, Justyn ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6149-5893 and Uesugi, Kentaro 2014. Optical properties of the lens: an explanation for the zones of discontinuity. Experimental Eye Research 124 , pp. 93-99. 10.1016/j.exer.2014.05.009

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Abstract

The structural basis of zones of discontinuity in the living human eye lens has not been elucidated, and there is no conclusive explanation for what relevance they may have to the structure and function of the lens. Newly developed synchrotron radiation based X-ray Talbot interferometry has enabled the detection of subtle fluctuations in the human eye lens which, when used in mathematical modelling to simulate reflected and scattered light, can recreate the image of the lens seen in the living human eye. The results of this study show that the zones of discontinuity may be caused by subtle fluctuations in the refractive index gradient as well as from random scattering in the central regions. As the refractive index contours are created by cell layers with progressively varying protein concentrations, the zones are linked to growth and will contain information about ageing and development. The index gradient is important for image quality and fluctuations in this gradient may add to quality optimisation and serve as models for designs of new generation implant lenses.

Item Type:	Article
Date Type:	Publication
Status:	Published
Schools:	Optometry and Vision Sciences
Subjects:	R Medicine > RE Ophthalmology
Uncontrolled Keywords:	eye lens; refractive index; zones of discontinuity; light scatter; implant design
Publisher:	Elsevier
ISSN:	0014-4835
Date of First Compliant Deposit:	30 March 2016
Date of Acceptance:	13 May 2014
Last Modified:	11 Oct 2023 17:12
URI:	https://orca.cardiff.ac.uk/id/eprint/75676

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