title: Model for predicting the optical performance of the eye in refractive surgery.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Predicting the outcome of refractive surgical procedures is one of the chief goals of the refractive surgeon. Besides perfecting the change required to nullify a refractive error, the optical quality of the postsurgical eye should be maximized.
  
  
  METHODS
  A model eye useful for predicting the likely effects on the optical performance of the eye as a result of refractive surgical intervention is presented. The model features aspheric ocular interfaces, a gradient refractive index within the lens, and a uni-index cornea. The dimensions of the model parameters are taken from the literature. Baker's method of ray tracing through aspheric surfaces is used to predict the lateral spherical aberration of the eye for specific pupil sizes. The results for various operational conditions such as number of lens layers and corneal shape were calculated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The model predicts that optimal optical imagery is produced when the corneal profile is represented by a flattening ellipse (shape factor = .65 to .85). Ideally, in refractive surgery involving the cornea, the postoperative corneal contour should conform to this flattening ellipse.
authors.affiliation: Department of Vision Science, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland, UK.
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Marshall
authors.forename: F W
authors.initials: FW
authors.lastname: Fitzke
mesh_terms: D003315:Cornea / Q000502:physiology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000502:physiology; D008433:Mathematics; D008954:Models, Biological; D011680:Pupil / Q000502:physiology; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures; D012031:Refractometry; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014785:Vision, Ocular / Q000502:physiology*; D014792:Visual Acuity / Q000502:physiology