Oculon Corporation

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Joyce A Peetermans

George B Benedek

George M Thurston

Douglas L Hayden

Victor G Taratuta

An apparatus is disclosed for using quasielastic light scattering to determine the degree of cataractogenesis of a lens in vivo. By collecting and analyzing light scattered from the lens, it is possible, using the temporal autocorrelation function, to produce a signature of cataractogenesis, accounting for scattering due to immobile scatterers. The components of the cataractogenesis can also be detected by comparing the values of the components of the signature of cataractogenesis to frequency distribution of the components taken from populations or by detecting changes in the values of the components of the signature of cataractogenesis as a function of time.

Apparatus for detecting cataractogenesis

A method and apparatus for detecting cataractogenesis is disclosed. Quasielastic light scattering data are collected from the lens of an individual to be tested for cataractogenesis. The data are collected from specific and reproducible sites within the lens by means of measurements made using a reticle in the apparatus and processed by an autocorrelator. The data from the autocorrelator are then fit to a double exponential form of autocorrelation function and the resulting functional form is transformed to produce at least one dimensionless parameter F.sub.mos. This parameter has been found to change predictably with the individual's age and, accordingly, is useful in detecting and determining the degree of cataractogenesis in the individual.

Method and apparatus for detecting cataractogenesis

A method and an apparatus are disclosed for using quasielastic light scattering to determine the degree of cataractogenesis of a lens in vivo. By collecting and analyzing light scattered from the lens, it is possible, using the temporal autocorrelation function, to produce a signature of cataractogenesis, accounting for scattering due to immobile scatterers. The components of the cataractogenesis can also be detected by comparing the values of the components of the signature of cataractogenesis to frequency distribution of the components taken from populations or by detecting changes in the values of the components of the signature of cataractogenesis as a function of time.

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Newton, MA, United States of America

Joyce A Peetermans