Computer simulation of arcuate keratotomy for astigmatism.

Background: The development of refractive corneal surgery involves numerous attempts to isolate the effect of individual factors on surgical outcome. Computer simulation of refractive keratotomy allows the surgeon to alter variables of the technique and to isolate the effect of specific factors independent of other factors, something that cannot easily be done in any of the currently available experimental models.

Methods: We used the finite element numerical method to construct a mathematical model of the eye.

Computer simulation of arcuate and radial incisions involving the corneoscleral limbus.

We have created a computer model of the eye that improves upon previous models with two assumptions: (1) the cornea is considered anisotropic, and (2) the strain tensor is non-linear for large displacements. Values used include those for Young's modulus, Poisson's ratio, and three coefficients of anisotropia. A finite element computer program was used to stimulate the behaviour of the eye.