Determination of chromatic aberration in the human eye by means of Fresnel propagation theory

Abstract

In this communication, the authors have determined the longitudinal chromatic aberrations in real eyes. The method that has been used combines real data of corneal morphology, central thickness of crystalline lens and biometric measures of axial length together with numerical calculation of the propagation process. The curvature of the crystalline lens has been adjusted to different curvature models and refractive index distributions. The wavelength dependence of all ocular media has been modelled through the Cauchy formula. Propagation through anterior and posterior chambers has been accomplished through numerical calculation of diffraction integral instead of classical ray-tracing approach. This imposes serous restrictions on the number of samples that are needed for a full propagation process. If we are only interested in amplitude calculations the method consists of evaluating propagation from cornea to crystalline lens with a spectrum propagation method. Propagation from the lens to the best image plane is accomplished by a direct calculation of Fresnel integral. With this model, we have obtained the refraction chromatic difference in diopters for several eyes. Results are compared with real measures of the chromatic aberration, showing a good agreement with numerical calculations. The capabilities of the technique have been demonstrated by applying the method to the study of the chromatic aberration of a keratoconus.