Refractive change induced by the LASIK flap in a biomechanical finite element model.

Purpose: To study the effect of varying four parameters on the refractive change induced by the LASIK flap.

Methods: Using a variety of patient-specific data such as topography, pachymetry, and axial length, a finite element model is built. The model is used in a non-linear finite element analysis to determine the response and change in optical power of the cornea as a function of a material property of the cornea (corneal elasticity), flap diameter and thickness, and intraocular pressure.