An apparatus for measuring a concentration of a substance in an eye (13) includes a measurement light source (4) producing a measurement light beam having a first wavelength at which the substance has a non-zero first absorption coefficient. The apparatus further includes a reference light source (6) producing a reference light beam having a second wavelength at which the substance has a second absorption coefficient which is substantially equal to zero. At least a portion of the measurement light beam retro-reflects from the retina (17) and at least a portion of the reference light beam retro-reflects from the retina (17). The apparatus further includes a detector (9) responsive to light having the first wavelength by generating a measurement signal and responsive to light having the second wavelength by generating a reference signal.