An interpretation of small-angle light-scattering patterns of human cornea.

Small-angle light-scattering patterns of human cornea in I. and I modes were compared to theoretical scattering patterns generated in the computer on the basis of a cornea model. This model is a nonrandom assembly of optically anistropic rods. The best match of theoretical and experimental patterns yielded the following parameters describing the ultrastructure of human cornea: length of the rod (fiber)=12 mu; angle between optic and geometric axis of the rod=60 degrees; most probable orientation of the rod=150 degree; the width of the distribution function of rod orientation (omega0)=2.5; intrinsic birefringence of the rod=7 X 10(-6); form birefringence=1.3 X 10(-5).