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Abstract
Scheimpflug slit images of the crystalline lens are distorted due to the refracting
properties of the cornea and because they are obliquely viewed. We measured the aspheric
curvature of the lens of 102 subjects ranging in age between 16 and 65 years and applied
correction for these distortions. The procedure was validated by measuring an artificial
eye and pseudophakic patients with intraocular lenses of known dimensions. Compared
to previous studies using Scheimpflug photography, the decrease of the radius of the
anterior lens surface with age was smaller, and the absolute value for the radius
of the anterior and posterior lens surface was significantly smaller. A slight decrease
of the posterior lens radius with age could be demonstrated. Generally, front and
back surfaces were hyperbolic. Axial length was measured of 42 subjects enabling calculation
of the equivalent refractive index of the lens, which showed a small, but highly significant
decrease with age. These new findings explain the lens paradox and may serve as a
basis for modelling the refractive properties of the lens.