Light absorption and scatter in the human lens

Abstract

The light transmission of freshly excised normal human lenses has been measured at five visible wavelengths. The lens profile has also been recorded and used to calculate light loss per unit pathlength of lens. This loss, although made up of absorption and scatter the contributions of which cannot be quantified, may be regarded as due to a hypothetical absorbing pigment. The loss is directly proportional to pigment concentration and remains constant throughout the central 7-8 mm of the lens and between the ages of 20 and 60. Because of this constancy, senile lenticular yellowing is attributed to increasing tens thickness. The visual importance of this light loss in the lens is briefly considered. © 1971.