| abstract |
A method and apparatus for measuring an apparent depth (1) of a section of an eye (30) are disclosed. Light is focused to a measurement location (15) proximate or within the eye. The measurement location is scanned through the section and upon passing through first and second refractive index interfaces defining the section, a respective reflected light signal is detected, from which apparent positions of the first and second interfaces may be derived. Preferably, a confocal scanning arrangement is employed. Preferably, the section is the aqueous humor (34) of the eye (30). From changes in its refractive index (n) corresponding changes in glucose concentration in the aqueous humor and, in turn, in the bloodstream of a patient may be derived, offering a non-invasive monitoring means for diabetic patients. The apparatus may be a hand-held device, employing microelectromechanical systems. The radius of curvature (R) of a curved section, such as a cornea (32) or ocular lens (36), may also be measured to determine refractive errors of the eye. |