The eye lens grows continuously throughout life and changes its shape as the eye changes focus from a distant to a near object (the process of accommodation). These changes are complex because they may affect not only the shape of the lens, but also its refractive index distribution. To date there has been no satisfactory technique for directly and non-invasively measuring these changes. In this study the refractive index distribution through the isolated lens was measured non-invasively using a novel MRI technique. The dependence of the refractive index value of lens tissue on its transverse relaxation rate (R2) was determined empirically from measurements on lens homogenate samples. Using a multi-spin-echo imaging sequence, data were acquired for constructing R2 maps of a central slice through the isolated lens. These R2 maps were transformed to refractive index maps using the empirically determined dependence of refractive index on R2. Using a standard algorithm for ray tracing through gradient index media, the propagation of light rays through the index map were simulated. The optical properties of the lens, such as focal length, were then measured. The technique was validated by also directly measuring the focal length of each lens using laser ray tracing. The subtle changes in refractive index distribution that are responsible for the dramatic change in the optical properties of the isolated lens with age, were observed for the first time. The decrease in surface power of the isolated lens with age accounted only partially for the decrease in total lens power with age, the remainder resulting from a reduction in the gradient of refractive index (GRIN) power. It is likely that this reduction in GFUN power is the mechanism by which the eye maintains emmetropia (good distant vision) with age despite the increasing curvature of its surfaces. The reduction in the GRIN power of the lens was found to be mainly due to a flattening of the refractive index profile in the central region of the lens, accompanied by steepening of the profile near the edge of the lens. In agreement with a previous MRI study of the isolated human eye lens, this study found a decrease in the refractive index of the nucleus with age. However the age related change in this study was not as large and not found to be statistically significant. The results demonstrate that existing simple models for the optics of the eye lens are inadequate to accurately describe its properties. Several more sophisticated models were considered in an attempt to describe better the age-dependent changes that occur in both the power of the lens and its longitudinal aberration. Mathematical modelling was also used to simulate the accommodative process and investigate possible changes in the index distribution of the lens that may occur with accommodation. A preliminary in vivo study was performed aimed at observing the change in the refractive index distribution of the eye lens with age and accommodation. These results demonstrated the feasibility of the technique for in vivo applications and showed that within experimental error there is little change in the central refractive index of the lens with age. However the resolution achievable with standard clinical imaging sequences and signal detection hardware was not optimal for in vivo refractive index mapping of changes in the human eye lens with accommodation. Finally therefore, methods for refining the technique for in vivo applications are discussed which may make it possible to directly and simultaneously measure both the shape and refractive index distribution of the lens with age and accommodation.

Milieu où les ultrasons se propagent environ 10% plus rapidement qu’au sein des tissus environnants, le cristallin est connu pour être la source majeure d’aberrations de phase du milieu oculaire. De fait, l’échographie ophtalmique trans cornéenne est affectée par ses effets qui se manifestent sur les B-scans par une dégradation marquée de la résolution spatiale et du contraste, accompagnée de plus, d’importantes distorsions, particulièrement notables au niveau du fond de l’œil. Face à ce problème et en vue de l’arrivée prochaine de barrettes US HF dans la pratique ophtalmologique, un beamforming adapté a été développé au cours de cette thèse. Basé sur un lancer de rayon à 2 points fixes, il permet le calcul de délais de focalisation qui compensent les aberrations induites par le cristallin, en prenant en compte les effets réfractifs à son interface avec les humeurs. Les résultats obtenus in vitro et ex vivo avec une barrette 20MHz et un échographe de recherche (ECODERM) sont rapportés. / In ophthalmic ultrasonography the crystalline lens is known to be the main source of phase aberration, as ultrasounds (US) propagate about 10% faster than in the surrounding intra-ocular medium. Hence, it impairs significantly both spatial and contrast resolution of axial B-scans, and in addition causes important distortion, especially on the ocular fundus. To deal with this issue and in view of the next coming of US arrays in ophthalmologic practice, we developed in this thesis an adapted beamforming (BF) free from crystalline lens aberrations. It lies on a two point ray tracing approach to compute focusing delays that take into account crystalline lens aberrations including refraction at the interface. Initially developed considering a uniform US velocity in the lens, the adapted BF has been extended to consider the velocity gradient that exists in the real lens. In vitro and ex vivo results obtained with a 20 MHz linear array driven by a US research scanner (the ECODERM) are reported.