Assessing the biomechanical properties of the cornea in vivo is important for predicting the outcome of refractive surgery, and for controlling the risk of postoperative complications. In this study, we examined the impact of corneal mechanical properties (nonlinearity and anisotropy) on the inverse solution of corneal material parameters based on the non-contact tonometry (“air puff”) test. Finite element models with different constitutive models (linear-elastic, isotropic hyperelastic, and fiber-dependent) were established to simulate the non-contact tonometry test. The results showed that the corneal nonlinear mechanical property and fiber distribution had significant effects on the corneal deflection profile. These findings may help in constructing an appropriate inverse solution strategy when using the inverse finite element method and in identifying individual differences in the corneal matrix shear modulus and fiber stiffness.

评估体内角膜的生物力学特性对于预测屈光手术的结果以及控制术后并发症的风险非常重要。在这项研究中，我们基于非接触式眼压计（“吹气法”）测试了角膜机械性能（非线性和各向异性）对角膜材料参数反解的影响。建立具有不同本构模型（线性弹性，各向同性超弹性和纤维相关）的有限元模型来模拟非接触眼压测试。结果表明，角膜的非线性力学性能和纤维分布对角膜的挠曲轮廓有显着影响。