Exploring the Universe within the Human Lens Through Raman Spectroscopy

• Published in: Delhi Journal of Ophthalmology Vol. 27; no. 4; pp. 281 - 283
• Main Authors: Malik, Praveen K, Dewan, Taru, Nishad, Ayasha, Gupta, Pulkit
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: India Medknow Publications & Media Pvt Ltd 01.10.2017; Wolters Kluwer Medknow Publications
• Edition: 2
• Subjects: biomechanical structure; lens; raman spectroscopy; Recent Advances; resonant frequency; resonant frequency; Raman spectroscopy; lens; biomechanical structure
• ISSN: 0972-0200; 2454-2784
• DOI: 10.7869/djo.268

Ever since the emergence of refined modalities of cataract surgery, the looming question has been the same - How to improve the technique, to minimize manipulation of biological components and optimize the end result? The most recent development has been, combining ultrasound energy with femtolaser. The previous studies have shown attempts to improve surgical outcome by using lesser phacoemulsification power, using incremental ultrasound power, calibrated phaco-tip and sensor-enabled phaco. However none have focused on the biomechanical properties and resonant frequency of the human lens. A review of Quantum physics informs us that all matter has a wavelength and a frequency of its own. Massive oscillatory motions are imparted with resonant frequency. Once the resonant frequency is achieved, it is possible to liquify solids non- thermally. Through our research, we discovered the innumerable possibilities and applications of the Raman Spectroscopy method. Raman Spectroscopy is a non-invasive, qualitative and quantitative optical technique for determining the molecular composition of matter. It is an inelastic scattering technique that can be used to probe the vibrational energy levels of a molecule within a sample and has been used extensively in biology and biochemistry to study the structure and dynamic function of important molecules. New lens fibers are formed throughout life and the human crystalline lens is a closed system i.e. there is no shedding. In the absence of metabolic activity in the organelle free zone, there is no turnover of crystallins. Thus, the lens fiber proteins are as old as the individual, and are subject to ageing factors which eventually lead to cataract formation. In our study, we propose to employ Raman spectroscopy for studying the molecular composition of cataractous lens and compare it with that of normal (non-cataractous) eye lens. During cataractogenesis, certain changes are accompanied or induced by conformational vents and aggregation of crystallins and disturbance of the short range order of crystallins. In-Vitro Raman experiments show multiple aspects worthy of further investigation. This non invasive method with high sensitivity, typically at the molecular level, may be advantageous for the development of a new diagnostic tools to monitor and control the cataract status.