Physiology-like crystalline lens modelling for children

Abstract

Understanding the age-dependent properties of the crystalline lenses of children is fundamental in studying the mechanism of myopic development and progression. A more realistic lens structure has more power for predicting the optical properties of the crystalline lenses. In this manuscript, a new lens model is proposed to predict the age-dependent change in the crystalline lens for children aged 6 to 15 years old. The lens model has the capability of involving most parameters measurable on the in vivo human lens. Moreover, the discrepancy of refractive indices at the equatorial edge and anterior and posterior vertices of the external lens surface is explained systematically. The analysis shows that this discrepancy has a significant role on the optical performance of the lens. The age-dependent properties are modelled based on available experimental data. The relationship between structural and optical performance is investigated with three-dimensional ray-tracing. The contributions of each parameter to the optical power and spherical aberration are revealed. The study has highlighted the importance of building physiology-like crystalline lens structure since some parameters ignored by previous studies can have a great optical impact.