THE CONFORMITY OF A SOFT CONTACT-LENS ON THE EYE

An axisymmetric elastic shell deformation model has been created to pr edict the conformity of a soft contact lens when pressed against the e ye. Regions of contact and gap may be predicted, and the nonuniform re action pressure between the lens and eye may also be found. This is im portant for issues like abrasion and comfort. Bending, membrane and tr ansverse shear loads within the lens are also computed. Commercial sof t contact lenses and a representative eye shape are used for the examp les. We find that the uniformity of loading against the eye is strongl y affected by the degree to which the lens is shaped to fit the eye, a nd relatively unaffected by the thickness of the lens.