Refractive index redistribution with accommodation based on finite volume-constant age-dependent mechanical modeling

Abstract

The human lens is considered to have a gradient refractive index (GRIN) distribution. The recently developed accommodating volume-constant age-dependent optical (AVOCADO) model can accurately describe the separate GRIN distributions in the axial and radial directions. Our study uses a finite element method to simulate the accommodation process and calculate the GRIN redistribution based on the AVOCADO model for 25-, 35- and 45-year-old lenses. The parameter p describes the steepness of the GRIN profile towards the lens periphery. The results show that axial p values increase with age. Under accommodation, the axial p value increases, while the radial p value decreases. We also use a ray tracing method to evaluate the optical performance of the lens. The aim of this paper is thus to provide an anatomically finite mechanical lens model with separate axial and radial refractive index profiles for a better understanding of accommodation at different ages.