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The cornea like the lens fluoresces naturally.
However, since the proteins in the cornea are replaced more often than those in the lens,
this autofluorescence is not age related.
This autofluorescence increases significantly in patients who develop diabetic eye
disease. Researchers in Europe have been very enthusiastic about this since it could be
used to monitor diabetic patients easily. They envision a system where diabetic patients
could avoid going to the ophthalmologist until this autofluorescence is found to be
elevated. Perhaps it could also be used to monitor overall glucose control. . |