Abstract

It is well-established that the transmission of short-wavelength light through the lens is reduced and the lens appears to "yellow" with age. The rate of this lens "yellowing" has been quantified (Pokorny, Smith and Lutze, 1987). The lens "yellows" at a relatively slow rate until the age of 60 years after which lens "yellowing" is accelerated. Here we present evidence that the lenses of young, Type I diabetics "yellow" at a similar rate to older normal controls over the age of 60 yr. We also discuss a possible molecular explanation for accelerated "yellowing" in both populations.

© 1990 Optical Society of America