A modelling approach for investigating opto-mechanical relationships in the human eye lens

Wang, K. ORCID: 0000-0001-5485-7091, Venetsanos, D.T., Hoshino, M., Uesugi, K. and Pierscionek, B.K. ORCID: 0000-0002-8661-6353, 2019. A modelling approach for investigating opto-mechanical relationships in the human eye lens. Transactions on Biomedical Engineering. ISSN 0018-9294

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Abstract

Objective: The human visual system alters its focus by a shape change of the eye lens. The extent to which the lens can adjust ocular refractive power is dependent to a significant extent on its material properties. Yet, this fundamental link between the optics and mechanics of the lens has been relatively under investigated. This study aims to investigate this opto-mechanical link within the eye lens to gain insight into the processes of shape alteration and their respective decline with age.

Methods: Finite Element models based on biological lenses were developed for five ages: 16, 35, 40, 57 and 62 years by correlating in vivo measurements of the longitudinal modulus using Brillouin scattering with in vitro X-ray interferometric measurements of refractive index and taking into account various directions of zonular force.

Results: A model with radial cortical Young’s moduli provides the same amount of refractive power with less change in thickness than a model with uniform cortical Young’s modulus with a uniform stress distribution and no discontinuities along the cortico-nuclear boundary. The direction of zonular angles can significantly influence curvature change regardless of the modulus distribution.

Conclusions: The present paper proposes a modelling approach for the human lens, coupling optical and mechanical properties, which shows the effect of parameter choice on model response.

Significance: This advanced modelling approach, considering the important interplay between optical and mechanical properties, has potential for use in design of accommodating implant lenses and for investigating non-biological causes of pathological processes in the lens (e.g. cataract).

Item Type:	Journal article
Publication Title:	Transactions on Biomedical Engineering
Creators:	Wang, K., Venetsanos, D.T., Hoshino, M., Uesugi, K. and Pierscionek, B.K.
Publisher:	Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
Date:	5 August 2019
ISSN:	0018-9294
Identifiers:	Number Type 10.1109/TBME.2019.2927390 DOI
Rights:	© 2019 IEEE. Personal use of this material is permitted. Permission from IEEE must be obtained for all other uses, in any current or future media, including reprinting/republishing this material for advertising or promotional purposes, creating new collective works, for resale or redistribution to servers or lists, or reuse of any copyrighted component of this work in other works.
Divisions:	Schools > School of Science and Technology
Record created by:	Jonathan Gallacher
Date Added:	15 Jul 2019 09:55
Last Modified:	29 Aug 2019 15:02
URI:	https://irep.ntu.ac.uk/id/eprint/37074

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