title: Lens autofluorescence and light scatter in relation to the lens opacities classification system, LOCS III.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare values of the human lens autofluorescence and back light scatter measurements with the improved Lens Opacities Classification System, LOCS III.
  
  
  METHODS
  We measured autofluorescence and back light scatter of the lens from 122 smoking males aged 57 to 76 years who participated in a cancer prevention study. The retroillumination and slit-lamp photographs of the lenses were graded according to LOCS III by the Center for Ophthalmic Research in Boston. Lens fluorometry was carried out with a previously described technique using blue-green (495 nm/520 nm) autofluorescence range. Interzeag Lens Opacity Meter 701 was used for light scatter measurements.
  
  
  RESULTS
  LOCS III nuclear opalescence and color grades were statistically significantly correlated with lens autofluorescence as well as with light scatter values. The lens transmission index of autofluorescence measurements showed the highest correlation with the nuclear color (r = -0.71; p < 0.0001) and the light scatter value with nuclear opalescence (r = 0.64; p < 0.0001). There was no correlation between autofluorescence measurements and LOCS III grades of cortical or posterior subcapsular cataract. A weak relation could be found between the grades of cortical cataract and light scatter values.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The lens fluorometry provides a practical clinical technique to evaluate the yellow coloration and opalescence of the human lens nucleus. It may be a useful additional tool together with a subjective grading system in the follow-up of optical changes occurring in the nuclear region of the lens.
authors.affiliation: Department of Ophthalmology, University of Oulu, Finland. siik@cc.oulu.fi
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Siik
authors.forename: L T
authors.initials: LT
authors.lastname: Chylack
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Friend
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Wolfe
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Teikari
authors.forename: H
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Nieminen
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Airaksinen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002386:Cataract / Q000145:classification* / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005453:Fluorescence; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008027:Light; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012542:Scattering, Radiation