In vivo measurement of the human crystalline lens equivalent refractive index using extended-depth OCT.

The lens equivalent refractive index (RI) is commonly used in calculations of crystalline lens power. However, accurate determination of the equivalent RI in vivo is challenging due to the need of multiple measurements with different ocular biometry devices. A custom extended-depth Spectral Domain-OCT system was utilized to provide measurements of corneal and lens surface curvatures and all intraocular distances required for determination of the lens equivalent RI. Ocular biometry and refraction were input into a computational model eye from which the equivalent RI was calculated. Results derived from human subjects of a wide age range show a decrease in RI with age and demonstrate the capability of in vivo measurements of the equivalent RI with extended-depth OCT.