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We address the measurement and correction of fan distortion in optical coherence tomography (OCT). This effect arises from the scanning system configuration and prevents one, in general, from obtaining quantitative topographic data from OCT. Computer simulations allowed us to quantify the effect and evaluate its dependence on the scanning mirror separation and design of the collimating lens, as well as to estimate the optimal axial position of that lens to minimize the fan distortion. We also developed a numerical algorithm based on 3-D ray propagation for the correction of the residual fan distortion. The effect was studied experimentally using a custom developed time-domain OCT in a Michelson configuration provided with a confocal channel, and the accuracy of the fan distortion correction algorithm tested on samples of known dimensions (flat surfaces and spherical lenses). With a proper calibration of the system with use of an onfocal channel, this algorithm makes it possible for time-domain OCT devices to be used as topographers. OCIS codes: 110.4500, 120.6650, 120.4640, 110.6880, 330.7327, 330.4300.

A method of ray tracing for free-form optical surfaces has been developed. The ray tracing through such surfaces is based on Delaunay triangulation of the discrete data of the surface and is related to finite-element modeling. Some numerical examples of applications to analytical, noisy, and experimental free-form surfaces (in particular, a corneal topography map) are presented. Ray-tracing results (i.e., spot diagram root-mean-square error) with the new method are in agreement with those obtained using a modal fitting of the surface, for sampling densities higher than 40 x 40 elements. The method competes in flexibility, simplicity, and computing times with standard methods for surface fitting and ray tracing. OCIS codes: 080.1753, 080.2720, 330.7326, 330.4875.

The dynamic changes of the anterior surface of the eye are investigated. A Twyman-Green interferometer is used to record topographic images at 40 ms intervals. A method of analysis of the dynamic changes in topography by use of Zernike polynomials enables a general distinction to be made between dynamic alterations in the shape of the cornea itself and the changes in the layer of the tears. The influence of deviations in the shape of the anterior surface of the eye on the retinal image is estimated. OCIS codes: 120.3180, 330.4460, 330.5370, 110.3000, 170.4470.

Intraocular lenses (IOLs) are used in the cataract treatment for surgical replacement of the opacified crystalline lens. Before being implanted they have to pass the strict quality control to guarantee a good biomechanical stability inside the capsular bag, avoiding the rotation and to provide a good optical quality. The goal of this study was to investigate the influence of the material and haptic design on the behavior of the IOLs under dynamic compression condition. For this purpose, the strain-stress characteristics of the hydrophobic and hydrophilic materials were estimated experimentally. Next, these data were used as the input for a finite-element model (FEM) to analyze the stability of different IOL haptic designs, according to the procedure described by the ISO standards. Finally, the simulations of the effect of IOL tilt and decentration on the optical performance were performed in an eye model using a ray-tracing software. The results suggest the major importance of the haptic design rather than the material on the postoperative behavior of an IOL. FEM appears to be a powerful tool for numerical studies of the biomechanical properties of IOLs and it allows one to help in the design phase to the manufacturers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose. The aim of the study is to demonstrate that the ocular dynamics of the anterior chamber of the eye can be estimated quantitatively by means of optical coherence tomography (OCT). Methods. A commercial high speed, high resolution optical coherence tomographer was used. The sequences of tomographic images of the iridocorneal angle of three subjects were captured and each image from the sequence was processed in MATLAB environment in order to detect and identify the contours of the cornea and iris.Thedata on pulsatile displacements of the cornea and iris and the changes of the depth of the gap between themwere retrieved from the sequences. Finally, the spectral analysis of the changes of these parameters was performed. Results. The results of the temporal and spectral analysis manifest the ocular microfluctuation that might be associated with breathing (manifested by 0.25Hz peak in the power spectra), heart rate (1-1.5Hz peak), and ocular hemodynamics (3.75-4.5Hz peak). Conclusions. This paper shows that the optical coherence tomography can be used as a tool for noninvasive estimation of the ocular dynamics of the anterior segment of the eye, but its usability in diagnostics of the ocular hemodynamics needs further investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The implantation of an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) into a capsular bag in place of an extracted natural, but nontransparent lens is a standard therapy method in the case of cataract. Any decentration or tilt of the IOL can cause a deterioration of the retinal image quality, thus decreasing the vision quality. The analysis of the relative position of Purkinje images being a reflection of the point light source from the refracting surfaces of the eyeball determines the location of IOL inside the eye and thus enables to state its wrong or correct location. The paper describes the Purkinje experimental setup consisting of an illuminator (several infrared LEDs arranged in a circle), an imaging telecentric lens and image recording CCD camera and reports details of the system calibration The usefulness of the experimental setup has been proven both in laboratory conditions using artificial model of the eyeball and in measurements on human subjects. Simulations of the retinal image with different decentrations or tilts are shown. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An investigation was carried out with the aim of reconstructing the gradient index (GRIN) profile of human crystalline lenses ex-vivo using optical coherence tomography (OCT) imaging with an optimization technique and to study the dependence of the GRIN profile with age. Cross-sectional images of nine isolated human crystalline lenses with ages ranging from 6 to 72 (post-mortem time 1 to 4 days) were obtained using a custom-made OCT system. Lenses were extracted from whole cadaver globes and placed in a measurement chamber filled with preservation medium (DMEM). Lenses were imaged with the anterior surface up and then flipped over and imaged again, to obtain posterior lens surface profiles both undistorted and distorted by the refraction through the anterior crystalline lens and GRIN. The GRIN distribution of the lens was described with three variables by means of power function, with variables being the nucleus and surface index, and a power coefficient that describes the decay of the refractive index from the nucleus to the surface. An optimization method was used to search for the parameters that produced the best match of the distorted posterior surface. The distorted surface was simulated with accuracy around the resolution of the OCT system (under 15 µm). The reconstructed refractive index values ranged from 1.356 to 1.388 for the surface, and from 1.396 to 1.434 for the nucleus. The power coefficient ranged between 3 and 18. The power coefficient increased significantly with age, at a rate of 0.24 per year. Optical coherence tomography allowed optical, non-invasive measurement of the 2D gradient index profile of the isolated human crystalline lens ex vivo. The age-dependent variation of the changes is consistent with previous data using magnetic resonance imaging, and the progressive formation of a refractive index plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Intraocular lens (IOL) is an artificial lens implanted into the eye. It usually replaces the existing crystalline lens, which is clouded over due to a cataract. In order to evaluate the optical performance of different IOLs an optomechanical model of human eye was developed. This model closely reproduces anatomical and optical properties of the average human eye. This makes it possible to measure the optical performance of different types of intraocular lenses and to estimate the influence of their location in eye on quality of vision. Four monofocal intraocular lenses were taken for analysis. The analysis of the quality of retinal images was carried out by means of either qualitative image comparison or physical quantities estimation. The analysis of LSF and MTF shows that the performance of the lenses tested changes slightly with differences in their design and/or material. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In order to restore clear vision in the case of cataracts the opaque crystalline lens of the diseased eye is extracted and an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted in its place. Different designs of IOLs are used in practice. The retinal image quality in such an eye (pseudophakic) depends on the parameters of the implanted IOL, in particular on its chromatic aberration. Since the dispersive properties of IOL material differ from that of a crystalline lens, the chromatic aberration of a pseudophakic eye is much greater than in a healthy eye. This paper studies a hybrid (refractive-diffractive) IOL of chromatic aberration chosen in a such way that the overall longitudinal chromatic aberration (LCA) of the pseudophakic eye is equal to that of the healthy eye. Simulated retinal images calculated with the help of typical lens design software ZEMAX® illustrate the usefulness of such a solution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A model for a gradient index intraocular lens (IOL) is presented. The distribution of the refractive index is Gaussian, varying radially in the equatorial plane and with distance from the optic axis in the sagittal plane. An algorithm for adjustment of the optimal gradient index distribution for individual parameters of a pseudophakic eye is also described. The performance, in terms of spherical aberration and resultant image quality that can be provided with the gradient index IOL, is compared with that provided by a commercially available IOL (Tecnis Z9000). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The usual treatment of an eye affected by cataract is the extraction of the crystalline lens from the capsular bag and replacing it with an artificial implant – an intraocular lens (IOL). Such a procedure usually helps the patient to regain his vision, however its quality is far from perfection. The most important element that affects the quality of vision of such a pseudophakic eye is the spherical aberration (SA) which is significantly higher than the SA of a healthy eye. One of the ways to minimize the SA is to involve the gradient index distribution in the medium of IOL. The aim of this study was to find the optimal radial gradient index distribution and to estimate its image quality. Methods: The theoretical model of the eye was used and its crystalline lens was replaced with the radial gradient index medium. The distribution of the refractive index was optimized in order to give the best possible retinal image quality. Results: Our theoretical studies showed that the SA of the eye with the Gaussian radial gradient IOL is much lower than the SA of the eye with any other IOL implanted and therefore the image quality is significantly higher. Conclusions: The implementation of the gradient index in the IOL implantation minimized the SA of a pseudophakic eye. The parameters of the gradient index distribution can be adjusted using an algorithm to the dimensions of a patient's eye. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crystalline lens wobbling is a phenomenon when the lens oscillates briefly from its normal position immediately after stopping the rotational movement of the eye globe. It can be observed by means of Purkinje imaging. The aim of this research is to present the data and computation workflow that involve both biomechanical and optical simulations that can mimic this effect, aimed to better understanding of lens wobbling. The methodology described in the study allows to visualize both the dynamic changes of the lens conformation within the eye and its optical effect in terms of Purkinje performance., Competing Interests: The authors declare no conflicts of interest., (Published by Optica Publishing Group under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License. Further distribution of this work must maintain attribution to the author(s) and the published article’s title, journal citation, and DOI.)

The aim of this study was to determine characteristic frequencies of corneal vibrations occurring during air-puff intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement using the Corvis ST tonometer. Relations of frequency of the corneal vibrations with IOP were examined. Two selected vibration frequencies-frequency with maximum amplitude, and mass center of the frequency distribution area, for which the amplitude was higher than 50% (CM50)-present significant correlations with non-corrected IOP and biomechanical corrected IOP (bIOP). The highest correlation was found between the mean values of CM50 and bIOP ( r =0.91). Based on the results obtained, it can be stated that the vibration frequencies of corneal peaks are closely related to the measured non-corrected and biomechanical corrected IOPs.

We present a method to obtain accurate corneal topography from a spectral optical coherence tomography (sOCT) system. The method includes calibration of the device, compensation of the fan (or field) distortion introduced by the scanning architecture, and image processing analysis for volumetric data extraction, segmentation and fitting. We present examples of three-dimensional (3-D) surface topography measurements on spherical and aspheric lenses, as well as on 10 human corneas in vivo. Results of sOCT surface topography (with and without fan-distortion correction) were compared with non-contact profilometry (taken as reference) on a spherical lens, and with non-contact profilometry and state-of-the art commercial corneal topography instruments on aspheric lenses and on subjects. Corneal elevation maps from all instruments were fitted by quadric surfaces (as well as by tenth-order Zernike polynomials) using custom routines. We found that the discrepancy in the estimated radius of curvature from nominal values in artificial corneas decreased from 4.6% (without fan distortion correction) to 1.6% (after fan distortion correction), and the difference in the asphericity decreased from 130% to 5%. In human corneas, the estimated corneal radius of curvature was not statistically significantly different across instruments. However, a Bland-Altman analysis showed consistent differences in the estimated asphericity and corneal shape between sOCT topographies without fan distortion correction and the rest of the measurements.

We quantify the posterior surface distortions in optical coherence tomography (OCT) images of isolated crystalline lenses. The posterior radius of curvature and asphericity obtained from OCT images acquired with the beam incident first on the anterior, and then the posterior, surface were compared. The results were compared with predictions of a ray-tracing model which includes the index gradient. The results show that the error in the radius of curvature is within the measurement reproducibility and that it can be corrected by assuming a uniform refractive index. However, accurate asphericity values require a correction algorithm that takes into account the gradient.

We present an optimization method to retrieve the gradient index (GRIN) distribution of the in-vitro crystalline lens from optical path difference data extracted from OCT images. Three-dimensional OCT images of the crystalline lens are obtained in two orientations (with the anterior surface up and posterior surface up), allowing to obtain the lens geometry. The GRIN reconstruction method is based on a genetic algorithm that searches for the parameters of a 4-variable GRIN model that best fits the distorted posterior surface of the lens. Computer simulations showed that, for noise of 5 μm in the surface elevations, the GRIN is recovered with an accuracy of 0.003 and 0.010 in the refractive indices of the nucleus and surface of the lens, respectively. The method was applied to retrieve three-dimensionally the GRIN of a porcine crystalline lens in vitro. We found a refractive index ranging from 1.362 in the surface to 1.443 in the nucleus of the lens, an axial exponential decay of the GRIN profile of 2.62 and a meridional exponential decay ranging from 3.56 to 5.18. The effect of GRIN on the aberrations of the lens also studied. The estimated spherical aberration of the measured porcine lens was 2.87 μm assuming a homogenous equivalent refractive index, and the presence of GRIN shifted the spherical aberration toward negative values (-0.97 μm), for a 6-mm pupil.

A method for three-dimensional 3-D optical distortion (refraction) correction on anterior segment Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT) images has been developed. The method consists of 3-D ray tracing through the different surfaces, following denoising, segmentation of the surfaces, Delaunay representation of the surfaces, and application of fan distortion correction. The correction has been applied theoretically to realistic computer eye models, and experimentally to OCT images of: an artificial eye with a Polymethyl Methacrylate (PMMA) cornea and an intraocular lens (IOL), an enucleated porcine eye, and a human eye in vivo obtained from two OCT laboratory set-ups (time domain and spectral). Data are analyzed in terms of surface radii of curvature and asphericity. Comparisons are established between the reference values for the surfaces (nominal values in the computer model; non-contact profilometric measurements for the artificial eye; Scheimpflug imaging for the real eyes in vivo and vitro). The results from the OCT data were analyzed following the conventional approach of dividing the optical path by the refractive index, after application of 2-D optical correction, and 3-D optical correction (in all cases after fan distortion correction). The application of 3-D optical distortion correction increased significantly both the accuracy of the radius of curvature estimates and particularly asphericity of the surfaces, with respect to conventional methods of OCT image analysis. We found that the discrepancies of the radii of curvature estimates from 3-D optical distortion corrected OCT images are less than 1% with respect to nominal values. Optical distortion correction in 3-D is critical for quantitative analysis of OCT anterior segment imaging, and allows accurate topography of the internal surfaces of the eye.