Ultraviolet-induced lenticular fluorescence: intraocular straylight affecting visual function

Ultraviolet radiation (UVR) excitation of fluorophores within the crystalline lens results in intraocular straylight. These fluorescent emissions are known to increase with age. The visual effect of this increase in fluorescent straylight has not previously been published. In this study, the visual deficit associated with UV-induced lenticular fluorescence was measured for 61 normal subjects between the ages of 21 and 80 yr of age using the Regan visual acuity charts at varying levels of contrast. UVR was shown to decrease low contrast acuity and this loss increased linearly with age.