An X-ray vision of cataract

This work reports the exploitation of diffraction enhanced X-ray imaging (DEI) for studying cataract in addition to the finding of heavy scattering centers of light, probably Ca-rich precipitates in cataractous lenses. DEI selectively probes diffuse-scattering, refraction, and absorption properties of features in the lenses. Fiber cell compaction areas and dilute distribution of precipitates are identifiable, as well as highly absorbing aggregations providing contrast even in the conventional radiography setup. This finding opens new opportunities for clinical diagnosis, for understaning the causes of cataract, and in developing medicines for this disease.