Fluorescence intensity profile of human lens sections

The fluorescence intensity profiles of thin cross-sections of human lenses were determined as a function of age by scanning microspectrofluorimetry with blue light excitation close to that available in conventional slit-lamp examination (filter transmission maximum 410 nm). The fluorescence intensity of the entire nuclear region increased with age. The profile of the adult lens was manifested as a plateau, with a depressed inner region. The anterior slope (representing cortex) was nearly always more gradual than the more precipitous posterior slope. The peak fluorescence intensity was usually located at the posterior juxtacortical region. An additional shoulder occasionally appeared in the anterior juxtacortical nucleus. The fluorescence maximum for all ages occurred at 530 nm.