SPECTRAL TRANSMISSION OF THE EYE
Abstract
The spectral transmittance of ultraviolet, visible, and near infrared light through the eye of humans and monkeys was measured. Using freshly enucleated eyes, the transmittances of each component part (cornea, aqueous humor, lens, vitreous humor, retina and choroid) were determined for the wavelength range from 0.22 to 2.8 microns. Two types of measurements were made: the first to measure the total light transmitted (direct and scattered) at each wavelength and the second to measure the percent transmittance of that light passing directly through the various media without absorption or scattering. The results show that: (a) the transmission of ultraviolet radiation decreases with the age of the eye; (b) the transmission of infrared radiation appears to be independent of the age; and (c) the maximum total transmittance of the whole eye, about 83%, is obtained in the region from 600 to 850 millimicrons. The spectral reflectance of the fundus and sclera of the rhesus monkey was measured, with the former reflecting less than 2% in the visible but increasing to 20% in the infrared (1200 millimicrons). The sclera reflects 20 to 30% through the visible and infrared out to 1200 millimicrons. The forward scattered light outside of 1 degree as measured on the whole human eye was 35% plus or minus 5% at 566 and 666 millimicrons.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jul 01, 1967
- Accession Number
- AD0663246
Entities
People
- E. A. Boettner
Organizations
- University of Michigan