Analysis of prescription eyewear for personal identification in forensic optometry

• Published in: Forensic Science International. Reports 2023-12, Vol.8, p.100326, Article 100326
• Main Authors: Aparna, R., Iyer, R. Shanti, Thomas, Mebin Wilson
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Electronic medical records; Eyewear forensics; Forensic optometry; Forensic science; Refractive errors
• ISSN: 2665-9107; 2665-9107
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fsir.2023.100326

Prescription eyewear offers characteristics that describe the refractive errors associated with the wearer's visual acuity. When found at the crime scene as evidence, it can help to establish a link with the owner. Eyewear characteristics can be statistically measured, allowing for scientific validation of the evidence details beyond simply matching them to the owner. Personal effects such as clothing, hair characteristics, and appearances have, at times, immensely helped to corroborate identification characteristics. The role of eyewear for forensic identification has been unexplored; hence, it is essential to understand its potential to aid identification. The present study was done by identifying the prescription values, i.e., refractive errors of 694 volunteers, and statistically analyzing these to check their relation with sex and age. It was found that there was a significant relationship between refractive errors and age, but not sex. Eyewear can thus be used to narrow the identity, and eyewear characteristics can serve as an antemortem record for identification and comparison. Additionally, combined with another type of evidence, it provides greater statistical certainty for forensic applications. •Prescription eyewear is highly individualistic.•Eyewear prescription values offer both descriptive and match characteristics for comparison.•There is a significant relationship between refractive errors and age.•Refractive error values can be helpful as antemortem records for personal identification.