Keratoconus prediction using a finite element model of the cornea with local biomechanical properties.

Purpose: The ability to predict and understand which biomechanical properties of the cornea are responsible for the stability or progression of keratoconus may be an important clinical and surgical tool for the eye-care professional. We have developed a finite element model of the cornea, that tries to predict keratoconus-like behavior and its evolution based on material properties of the corneal tissue.

Methods: Corneal material properties were modeled using bibliographic data and corneal topography was based on literature values from a schematic eye model.