Abstract
In the development history of human eye models, two of the models have been proposed to illustrate the effects of refractive index in the lenses; namely they are the shell model and the gradient index model. It is interesting to note that both models have been shown with inefficacy in modelling of optics. The most prominent problems are discontinuous profile in crystalline lens and constrained formula in the gradient index for universal model. Therefore, a modified model of lenses is proposed to circumvent the above-mentioned problems by employing an optical simulation package, namely ASAP by BRO Inc., for study of the properties of the gradient index and the resultant effects in the visual acuity from the modified model. Simulation results have shown that the gradient index model would perform better both in monochromatic and chromatic aberrations of visual optics. In addition to the optical simulations, this study has adopted the state of art technology in 3D printing for establishing the physical model of gradient index lenses plus the experimental verifications in process parameters during 3D printing. Due to limited machine functions and specification, the current 3D printing machine cannot meet the requirements in this study. In the future, the potential of 3D printing technology should be carefully explored in the applications of ophthalmology implants.