[The eye as an object of forensic medical identification]

The present review is focused on the literature publications concerning various aspects of significance of the human eye as an object of forensic medical identification. The data discussed in this review may provide a basis for the development of the algorithm of forensic ophthalmological studies of both living subjects and corpses; moreover, they can be used to determine the human age from the morphometric characteristics of eye tissues for the purpose of forensic medicine and criminal investigations. The authors emphasize the importance of purpose-oriented studies of various eye structures as a source of additional information for the application of the existing methods designed for personality identification. Changes in the eyes associated with congenital defects and ageing, surgical interventions, and their complications are discussed with special reference to their application in the practical work of forensic medical experts.