Autofluorescence of the crystalline lens in diabetes

Lenticular autofluorescence in a diabetic population was quantitated by scanning ocular fluorophotometry. Measurements were made through the lens along the optical axis. The profile of the scan from front to rear was characterized by anterior and posterior juxtacortical peaks and a central plateau. Maximum fluorescence values were compared with those of nondiabetic control subjects. Fluorescence increased linearly with age in both populations, but was significantly higher in the diabetic population of all ages. Posterior to anterior fluorescence peak ratios decreased as a parabolic function of age in both populations, but peak ratios were lower in the diabetic population. We conclude that in vivo measurements of lens autofluorescence correlate with premature lenticular senescence in diabetes.