How a dynamic optical system maintains image quality: Self-adjustment of the human eye

Abstract

The eyeball is continually subjected to forces that cause alterations to its shape and dimensions, as well as to its optical components. Forces that induce accommodation result in an intentional change in focus; others, such as the effect of intraocular pressure fluctuations, are more subtle. Although the mechanical properties of the eyeball and its components permit mediation of such subtle forces, the concomitant optical changes are not detected by the visual system. Optical self-adjustment is postulated as the mechanism that maintains image quality. The purpose of this study was to investigate how self-adjustment occurs by using an optical model of the eyeball and to test the requisite optical and biometric conditions.