Age related changes in the optics of adult human eyes

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Vision is limited by both optical and retinal-neural factors. Our understanding of the optical structure of the human eye is limited, partcularly for the refractive index gradient of the lens, let alone how these change with age. This understanding is needed if we are to accurately predict or assess the long-term effects of refractive surgical procedures or ophthalmic prostheses on vision. In this project, we aim to substantially improve our understanding of the optical properties of the eye by 1) developing methods for measuring these quantities and then applying the methods to investigate how these properties vary with age and focussing, and 2) determine the optical contribution to reduction in visual performance with increasing age. Our research will be used to determine norms for growth and aging patterns in the normal human eye, particularly the lens. It will yield significant outcomes through 1. determination of the long-term success of custom refractive surgery aimed at improving vision by eliminating the ocular aberrations, and 2. indicating the potential improvement in ocular performance provided by artificial intraocular lenses or any other type of correction.