[Modeling the eye based on simulated refractive surgery].
OBJECTIVE
To achieve three-dimensional modelizing of the eyeball (morphological and mechanical behavior) in order to simulate the impact of various refractive surgery techniques and to study the normal and pathological states of the eye.


METHODS
Rebuilding the ocular shell is based on different kinds of imaging (MRI, ultrasound) including information provided by video topography. Image data are treated using suitable numerized filters that allow automatic segmentations of ocular globus edges. Reconstruction is based on specific mathematical functions (B-splines). The mechanical behavior of a reconstructed model is simulated by solving equations of linearized elasticity with the finitude elements method.


RESULTS
Numerous simulations mimmed different refractive surgical techniques and, then validated the model. In addition, simulations of various pathologies allowed us to verify certain clinical hypotheses.


CONCLUSIONS
This work, although still experimental, demonstrates the advantages of such simulations and will allow novice physicians an easier approach to different surgical techniques and will help them understand their effect. Furthermore, it might be useful for simulation of new surgical concepts even before their in vivo evaluation.
Lamard
M
M
Ecole Nationale Supérieure des Télécommunications de Bretagne, département Image et Traitement de l'Information, BP 832, 29285 Brest. Mathieu.Lamard@enst-bretagne.fr
Cochener
B
B
D003198:Computer Simulation; D007646:Keratotomy, Radial; D008953:Models, Anatomic