Red edge excitation effect in intact eye lens

Abstract

Shift in the wavelength of emission upon shift in the excitation wavelength towards the red edge of the absorption band is termed Red Edge Excitation Shift (REES). This effect is observed only in a situation where the fluorophore mobility with respect to the surrounding matrix is considerably reduced. We have observed such red edge excitation effect in the intact eye lens. The REES observed for a normal lens is different from that seen in a photodamaged lens and hence appears to be a potential tool to monitor the changes in the state of the lens. Photodamage experiments with tryptophan in polyethylene glycol (PEG) and intact eye lens indicate that the red edge photon can also cause photodamage.