Development of an optical simulator of the human eye

The optics of the human eye have for several years been the subject of careful physiological study. This study has led to the development of models characterizing its operation and allowed to predict its behavior. In general, these models are based on empirical data derived from statistical studies on specific populations. At the same time, different optical analysis techniques are being developed in order to study the eye. These techniques are based on projecting light into the eye or in using optical systems to observe the eye. Thus, it becomes important to have tools to simulate the human eye during the development of these techniques prior to its implementation using human subjects. Several simulators have been developed based on existing models, many of them using ZEMAX optical design program. However, in general, their use has been limited to simple models and/or dedicated analysis. However, the appearance of a toolbox that allows the programming software MatLab to command the optical design program opened a new range of control and analysis capabilities for systems modeled in ZEMAX. Using these tools, a dynamic simulator was developed that allows the user to optically characterize an eye based on age and distance to an object being observed accordingly with one existing model. The capabilities of both programs allowed obtaining a tool capable of not only helping the development of optical analysis techniques but also be used in developing new eye models or analyze eye safety issues. Its performance is presented and analysis examples shown.