Refractive power maps of the anterior surface of the cornea according to different models

In order to explore and analyze the effect of an ablation performed on the anterior corneal surface, it is useful to calculate the refractive power maps of the original and the treated corneas. The optical characteristics of the anterior corneal surfaces are typically simulated with different models, according to different degrees of simplification. To predict which ablation would improve the refractive power of such cornea, which is directly related with the spherical aberration associated with the shape of the anterior corneal surface, it is important to analyze those simplifications. Such information is displayed in a refractive power map, which yields the true refractive power of the corneal surface, point by point, expressing this power in diopters. The aim of the present work is twofold: different corneal models are simulated so as to compare the spherical aberration produced by each one. On the other hand, simulations are made in such a way that permits to foresee how the visual performance of an eye can be achieved by modifying the anterior surface of its cornea through the corresponding power maps.