The Dielectric Properties of the Bovine Eye Lens

The dielectric constant and electrical conductivity of the lens of the eye have been investigated throughout the frequency range from 0.5 to 200 Mc. The values obtained are frequency dependent. The frequency dependence is found consistent with the assumption of lens fiber membranes which are characterized by a membrane capacitance of very approximately 1μf/cm2. This is typical for biological membranes in general. Thus the existence of lens fiber membranes which are similar in molecular structure to the membranes of other biological cells is indicated. The dielectric data at very high frequencies are satisfactorily explained by the lens protein content.