Diabetic retinopathy assessed by dynamic light scattering and corneal autofluorescence

Autofluorescence of the cornea within specific wavelength region and dynamic light scattering measurements of ocular tissue have both been used for early-stage detection of the presence of diabetic retinopathy. In the present study, autofluorescence of the cornea and dynamic light scattering in the cornea and vitreous have been measured and compared using two innovative research instruments in twenty-two insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus patients, for the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy. Corneal autofluorescence mean values in each diabetic retinopathy grade significantly correlated with dynamic light scattering measurements in the vitreous, and in the cornea, thus confirming that changes in the natural fluorescence is strictly correlated with molecular changes of ocular tissues. © 1998 Society of Photo-Optical Instrumentation Engineers.