Patent ID: 7844425

Claim:
A system for simulating a reconfiguration of a model cornea which comprises: a computer programmed with a finite element model, wherein the finite element model defines an anterior surface and a posterior surface for the cornea, with an axis perpendicular to the surfaces and passing through respective apexes of the surfaces, and further wherein the curvatures of the anterior and posterior surfaces are approximated by a respective conic section, and the finite element model includes a plurality of elements, wherein a first group of elements are pre-programmed with coefficients to simulate biomechanical characteristics for Bowman's capsule of the cornea and a second group of elements are pre-programmed with coefficients to simulate biomechanical characteristics for a stroma of the cornea, and further wherein the pre-programmed elements of the first and second groups are established for the finite element model according to diagnostic corneal data; a computer means for reducing coefficients of the finite element model into a range approximately eighty to ninety-five percent of the preprogrammed value to minimize designated biomechanical characteristics on at least one selected element to create a reconfigured model cornea; and a computer means for measuring the reconfigured model cornea.