Goldmann tonometry tear film error and partial correction with a shaped applanation surface.

PURPOSE: The aim of the study was to quantify the isolated tear film adhesion error in a Goldmann applanation tonometer (GAT) prism and in a correcting applanation tonometry surface (CATS) prism. METHODS: The separation force of a tonometer prism adhered by a tear film to a simulated cornea was measured to quantify an isolated tear film adhesion force. Acrylic hemispheres (7.8 mm radius) used as corneas were lathed over the apical 3.06 mm diameter to simulate full applanation contact with the prism surface for both GAT and CATS prisms. Tear film separation measurements were completed with both an artificial tear and fluorescein solutions as a fluid bridge. The applanation mire thicknesses were measured and correlated with the tear film separation measurements. Human cadaver eyes were used to validate simulated cornea tear film separation measurement differences between the GAT and CATS prisms. RESULTS: The CATS prism tear film adhesion error (2.74±0.21 mmHg) was significantly less than the GAT prism (4.57±0.18 mmHg, p<0.001). Tear film adhesion error was independent of applanation mire thickness (R2=0.09, p=0.04). Fluorescein produces more tear film error than artificial tears (+0.51±0.04 mmHg; p<0.001). Cadaver eye validation indicated the CATS prism's tear film adhesion error (1.40±0.51 mmHg) was significantly less than that of the GAT prism (3.30±0.38 mmHg; p=0.002). CONCLUSION: Measured GAT tear film adhesion error is more than previously predicted. A CATS prism significantly reduced tear film adhesion error by41%. Fluorescein solution increases the tear film adhesion compared to artificial tears, while mire thickness has a negligible effect.

Deformable Surface Accommodating Intraocular Lens: Second Generation Prototype Design Methodology and Testing.

PURPOSE: Present an analysis methodology for developing and evaluating accommodating intraocular lenses incorporating a deformable interface. METHODS: The next generation design of extruded gel interface intraocular lens is presented. A prototype based upon similar previously in vivo proven design was tested with measurements of actuation force, lens power, interface contour, optical transfer function, and visual Strehl ratio. Prototype verified mathematical models were used to optimize optical and mechanical design parameters to maximize the image quality and minimize the required force to accommodate. RESULTS: The prototype lens produced adequate image quality with the available physiologic accommodating force. The iterative mathematical modeling based upon the prototype yielded maximized optical and mechanical performance through maximum allowable gel thickness to extrusion diameter ratio, maximum feasible refractive index change at the interface, and minimum gel material properties in Poisson's ratio and Young's modulus. CONCLUSIONS: The design prototype performed well. It operated within the physiologic constraints of the human eye including the force available for full accommodative amplitude using the eye's natural focusing feedback, while maintaining image quality in the space available. The parameters that optimized optical and mechanical performance were delineated as those, which minimize both asphericity and actuation pressure. The design parameters outlined herein can be used as a template to maximize the performance of a deformable interface intraocular lens. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: The article combines a multidisciplinary basic science approach from biomechanics, optical science, and ophthalmology to optimize an intraocular lens design suitable for preliminary animal trials.

Thermal load from a CO2 laser radiant energy source induces changes in corneal surface asphericity, roughness, and transverse contraction.

PURPOSE: We examined corneal surface response to an isolated thermal load. METHODS: Cadaveric porcine eyes were pressurized and stabilized for processing and imaging. A carbon dioxide (CO2) laser (1.75 W) delivered a uniform disk of continuous wave thermal radiant energy to the exposed corneal stromal surface without ablation. Thermal load was determined by measuring corneal surface temperature during CO2 laser irradiation. Corneal profilometry was measured with broad-band optical interferometry before and after CO2 laser irradiation. Photomicrographs of the stromal surface were taken before and after irradiation, and the images were superimposed to examine changes in positional marks, examining mechanical alterations in the stromal surface. RESULTS: Thermal load from uniform laser irradiation without ablation produces central corneal steepening and paracentral flattening in the central 3-mm diameter. Q values, measuring asphericity in the central 2 mm of the cornea increased significantly and it was correlated with the temperature rise (R2=0.767). Surface roughness increased significantly and also was correlated with temperature rise (R2=0.851). The central stromal surface contracted and underwent characteristic morphologic changes with the applied thermal load, which correlated well with the temperature rise (R2=0.818). CONCLUSIONS: The thermal load created by CO2 laser irradiation creates a characteristic spectrum of morphologic changes on the porcine corneal stromal surface that correlates to the temperature rise and is not seen with inorganic, isotropic material. The surface changes demonstrated with the CO2 laser likely are indicative of temperature-induced transverse collagen fibril contraction and stress redistribution. Refractive procedures that produce significant thermal load should be cognizant of these morphologic changes.

Corneal surface asphericity, roughness, and transverse contraction after uniform scanning excimer laser ablation.

PURPOSE: To examine the interaction between the excimer laser and residual tissue. METHODS: Ten cadaveric porcine eyes with exposed corneal stroma and plastic test spheres underwent uniform 6-mm ablation with a scanning excimer laser. Corneal profilometry of the central 3 mm was measured with submicrometer resolution optical interferometry, before and after uniform excimer ablation. Eleven surface-marked eyes were photomicrographed before and after excimer ablation. Images were superimposed, and mark positional changes were measured. RESULTS: Uniform scanning excimer laser ablation of the corneal stroma produces a significant central steepening and peripheral flattening in the central 3-mm of the diameter. The central 1-mm corneal curvature radius (r) decreased from r = 10.07 ± 0.44 (95% CI) to 7.22 ± 0.30 mm, and the central 2-mm radius decreased from r = 10.16 ± 0.44 to 8.10 ± 0.43 mm. Q values, measuring asphericity in the 2-mm radius of the central cornea, were significantly lower before than after ablation (-5.03 ± 4.01 vs. -52.4 ± 18.7). Surface roughness increased significantly from 0.65 ± 0.06 to 1.75 ± 0.32 µm after ablation. The central 2 mm of the stromal surface contracted by 2.21% ± 0.80% at a sustained temperature of 5°C. Ablation of plastic spheres produced no significant change. CONCLUSIONS: The excimer laser interacts with the nonablated residual stromal surface in a characteristic fashion not seen with isotropic, inorganic material. Increases in asphericity, surface roughness, surface contraction, and stromal morphologic changes are supportive of this interaction. The surface changes demonstrated may be indicative of temperature-induced transverse collagen fibril contraction and stress redistribution, or the ablation threshold of the stromal surface may be altered. This phenomenon may be of increased importance using lasers with increased thermal load.