Lens autofluorescence and light scatter in relation to the lens opacities classification system, LOCS III

Pur pose: To compare values of the human lens autofluorescence and back lig ht scatter measurements with the improved Lens Opacities Classification Sys tem, LOGS III. Methods: We measured autofluorescence and back light scatter of the lens fr om 122 smoking males aged 57 to 76 years who participated in a cancer preve ntion study The retroillumination and slit-lamp photographs of the lenses m ere graded according to LOGS III by the Center for Ophthalmic Research in B oston. Lens fluorometry was carried out with a previously described techniq ue using blue-green (495 nm/520 nm) autofluorescence range. Interzeag Lens Opacity Meter 701 was used for light scatter measurements. Results: LOGS III nuclear opalescence and color grades mere statistically s ignificantly correlated with lens autofluorescence as well as with light sc atter values. The lens transmission index of autofluorescence measurements showed the highest correlation with the nuclear color (r=-0.71; p<0.0001) a nd the light scatter value with nuclear opalescence (r=0.64; p<0.0001). The re was no correlation between autofluorescence measurements and LOGS III gr ades of cortical or posterior subcapsular cataract. A weak relation could b e found between the grades of cortical cataract and light scatter values. Conclusions: The lens fluorometry provides a practical clinical technique t o evaluate the yellow coloration and opalescence of the human lens nucleus. It may be a useful additional tool together with a subjective grading syst em in the follow-up of optical changes occurring in the nuclear region of t he lens.