[Biomechanical investigations on accommodation of the eye].

BACKGROUND: The biomechanics of accommodation are of particular interest in terms of the causes of presbyopia and the function of intraocular lenses.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the present article is to model the mechanism of accommodation in detail.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The state of the art of applying biomechanical models to accommodation is presented, which enables the accommodation process to be understood.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: The established models, which are based on the Helmholtz theory, can explain the accommodation process in a plausible manner. These models thereby also enable further investigations on the genesis of presbyopia as well as on the development of accommodative intraocular lenses and implants. However, measurements are always necessary to compare the simulation results with reality, and to provide input and material data as well as geometric dimensions of components of the eye.