The measurement of short distances by interferometry using low coherence light is a potential option in the study of interfaces between intraocular elements. In this article we describe an experimental device to measure the distance between such interfacesin vitro. The procedure utilizes a Michelson interferometer to generate the probe beams together with a silicate photodetector system and a lock-in synchronous amplifier. The cornea and crystalline lens thickness of a rabbit eyeball are evaluated, as well as the human cornea in preservative solution. These tests indicate the method to be efficient, easy-to-handle, of high resolution and to present a signal-to-noise ratio of up to 12. We consider the possibility of its use in obtaining information about the degeneration of intraocular structures during the preservation process. ©1998 American Institute of Physics.