A noninvasive video-based method for measuring lens transmission properties of the human eye

The Lens Absorption Monitor (LAM) is an automated video-based system for obtaining rapid objective noninvasive measurements of the spectral transmission properties of the human lens. The technique is based on intensity measurements of the 4th Purkinje image for different wavelengths, and incorporates several features that overcome some of the difficulties associated with previous studies using this approach. LAM transmission measures for the visible spectrum can be obtained in approximately 2 s, and in most instances can be obtained without having to dilate the subject's eye. This paper describes the technique and presents our initial findings for 40 normal observers between the ages of 24 and 77 years. Results of the LAM technique show that it is able to measure the wavelength-dependent properties of the lens accurately and to identify age-related changes in "yellowing" of the lens. Test-retest reliability of the LAM is better than for psychophysical estimates of ocular media transmission. LAM and psychophysical measures in the same subjects were found to be correlated, although LAM measures produced consistently lower values of lens density than the psychophysical determinations. There was only moderate agreement between LAM and psychophysical measures of lens density. Possible explanations for these differences are discussed. Future research will determine whether this technique is able to detect and quantify early cataract development.