title: Zernike vs. Bessel circular functions in visual optics.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We propose the Bessel Circular Functions as alternatives of the Zernike Circle Polynomials to represent relevant circular ophthalmic surfaces.
  
  
  METHODS
  We assess the fitting capabilities of the orthogonal Bessel Circular Functions by comparing them to Zernike Circle Polynomials for approximating a variety of computationally generated surfaces which can represent ophthalmic surfaces.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The Bessel Circular Functions showed better modelling capabilities for surfaces with abrupt variations such as the anterior eye surface at the limbus region, and influence functions. From our studies we find that the Bessel Circular Functions can be more suitable for studying particular features of post surgical corneal surfaces.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  We show that given their boundary conditions and free oscillating properties, the Bessel Circular Functions are an alternative for representing specific wavefronts and can be better than the Zernike Circle Polynomials for some important cases of corneal surfaces, influence functions and the complete anterior corneal surface.
authors.affiliation: Departamento de Optica, Instituto Nacional de Astrofísica, Optica y Electrónica, Puebla, México. trevinojp@inaoep.mx
authors.forename: Juan P
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Trevino
authors.forename: Jesus E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Gómez-Correa
authors.forename: D Robert
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Iskander
authors.forename: Sabino
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chávez-Cerda
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D055095:Optics and Photonics / Q000379:methods*