Use of dynamic light scattering and Scheimpflug imaging for the early detection of cataracts

Cataract is a leading cause of blindness. Diabetes and glycemic conditions enhance the chances of developing cataracts early. At clinical stage cataracts are detected and documented by slit-lamp biomicroscopy and Scheimpflug photography. A compact fiber optic probe, developed for space experiments, was mounted on a Scheimpflug imaging system. The probe detects and documents cataracts at pre-clinical stage noninvasively and quantitatively. The early detection at the molecular level may lead to medical treatment of cataracts, better control of glycemia, and diabetes mellitus.