Biomechanics Studies in Ophthalmology

A special issue of Bioengineering (ISSN 2306-5354). This special issue belongs to the section "Biomechanics and Sports Medicine".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: 31 July 2025 | Viewed by 8499

Special Issue Editor


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Guest Editor
Departments of Ophthalmology, Neurology, and Bioengineering, and Stein Eye Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
Interests: biomechanics; eye movements; glaucoma; myopia; optic neuropathy; strabismus

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Biomechanics can provide essential insights into the normal sensorimotor function of the eye and visual system, as well as the pathophysiology and treatment of important ocular diseases. This Special Issue welcomes submissions of reports on the mechanical properties and behavior of animal and human ocular tissues, computational models of organ-level behavior in the sensorimotor visual system in animals and humans, and mechanically based models providing insight into ocular diseases and their possible treatments.

Prof. Dr. Joseph L. Demer
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • eye movements
  • finite element modeling
  • glaucoma
  • myopia
  • ocular biomechanics
  • ocular trauma
  • ocular viscoelasticity
  • optic neuropathy
  • strabismus

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Published Papers (5 papers)

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Research

11 pages, 1076 KiB  
Article
Influence of Dextran Solution and Corneal Collagen Crosslinking on Corneal Biomechanical Parameters Evaluated by Corvis ST In Vitro
by Xiao Qin, Bi Hu, Lili Guo, Haixia Zhang, Lin Li, Ying Jie and Lei Tian
Bioengineering 2024, 11(11), 1156; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11111156 - 17 Nov 2024
Viewed by 926
Abstract
Purpose: To analyze the influence of dextran solution and corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) on corneal biomechanical parameters in vitro, evaluated by Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (Corvis ST). Materials and Methods: Forty porcine eyes were included in this study. Twenty porcine eyes were instilled [...] Read more.
Purpose: To analyze the influence of dextran solution and corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) on corneal biomechanical parameters in vitro, evaluated by Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (Corvis ST). Materials and Methods: Forty porcine eyes were included in this study. Twenty porcine eyes were instilled with dextran solution for 30 min (10 eyes in 2% dextran solution and 10 eyes in 20% dextran solution). CXL treatment was performed in 10 porcine eyes; the other 10 porcine eyes were regarded as the control group. Each eye was fixed on an experimental inflation platform to carry out Corvis measurements at different IOPs. Corneal biomechanical parameters were calculated based on Corvis measurement. Statistical analysis was used to analyze the influence of dextran solution and CXL on corneal biomechanical parameters based on Corvis parameters. Results: The corneal energy-absorbed area (Aabsorbed) decreased after being instilled with dextran solution under IOP of 15 mmHg (p < 0.001); the elastic modulus (E) of the cornea instilled with 20% dextran solution was significantly higher than that instilled with 2% dextran solution (p < 0.001), since it decreased after being instilled with 20% dextran solution (p = 0.030); the stiffness parameter at the first applanation (SP-A1) increased after CXL (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Both dextran solution and CXL can change corneal biomechanical properties; the concentration of dextran solution can influence the corneal biomechanical properties, which may, in turn, affect the effectiveness of CXL. SP-A1 may be used as an effective parameter for the evaluation of CXL. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics Studies in Ophthalmology)
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18 pages, 4984 KiB  
Article
Effects of Genipin Crosslinking of Porcine Perilimbal Sclera on Mechanical Properties and Intraocular Pressure
by John Riesterer, Alexus Warchock, Erik Krawczyk, Linyu Ni, Wonsuk Kim, Sayoko E. Moroi, Guan Xu and Alan Argento
Bioengineering 2024, 11(10), 996; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11100996 - 2 Oct 2024
Viewed by 1394
Abstract
The mechanical properties of sclera play an important role in ocular functions, protection, and disease. Modulating the sclera’s properties by exogenous crosslinking offers a way to expand the tissue’s range of properties for study of the possible influences on the eye’s behavior and [...] Read more.
The mechanical properties of sclera play an important role in ocular functions, protection, and disease. Modulating the sclera’s properties by exogenous crosslinking offers a way to expand the tissue’s range of properties for study of the possible influences on the eye’s behavior and diseases such as glaucoma and myopia. The focus of this work was to evaluate the effects of genipin crosslinking targeting the porcine perilimbal sclera (PLS) since the stiffness of this tissue was previously found in a number of studies to influence the eye’s intraocular pressure (IOP). The work includes experiments on tensile test specimens and whole globes. The specimen tests showed decreased strain-rate dependence and increased relaxation stress due to the cross-linker. Whole globe perfusion experiments demonstrated that eyes treated with genipin in the perilimbal region had increased IOPs compared to the control globes. Migration of the cross-linker from the target tissue to other tissues is a confounding factor in whole globe, biomechanical measurements, with crosslinking. A novel quantitative genipin assay of the trabecular meshwork (TM) was developed to exclude globes where the TM was inadvertently crosslinked. The perfusion study, therefore, suggests that elevated stiffness of the PLS can significantly increase IOP apart from effects of the TM in the porcine eye. These results demonstrate the importance of PLS biomechanics in aqueous outflow regulation and support additional investigations into the distal outflow pathways as a key source of outflow resistance. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics Studies in Ophthalmology)
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28 pages, 42483 KiB  
Article
Influence of Contact Lens Parameters on Cornea: Biomechanical Analysis
by Darshan Ramasubramanian, José Luis Hernández-Verdejo and José Manuel López-Alonso
Bioengineering 2024, 11(10), 966; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11100966 - 27 Sep 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1865
Abstract
This study presents a finite element analysis to model ocular biomechanics and the interactions between the human eye and contact lenses in the closed-eye condition. The closed-eye state, where the eyelids are fully shut, presents challenges for experimental measurements due to the invasive [...] Read more.
This study presents a finite element analysis to model ocular biomechanics and the interactions between the human eye and contact lenses in the closed-eye condition. The closed-eye state, where the eyelids are fully shut, presents challenges for experimental measurements due to the invasive nature of accessing and analysing the contact lens and corneal interface, making simulation tools valuable for accurate characterisation. The primary objective of this study was to examine how CLs fold and twist and their impact on the cornea when the eye is closed. The secondary aim of this study was to assess how crucial contact lens parameters (Young’s modulus, base curve, and diameter) influence corneal stress distribution and the overall fit of the lens on the eye. The findings show that increasing Young’s modulus significantly reduces corneal stress and promotes uniform stress distribution, making it the most influential factor for wearer comfort and safety. While base curve and diameter variations primarily affect contact area, their impact on stress distribution is minimal. This research provides insights for improving contact lens design and enhancing safety for contact lens wearers. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics Studies in Ophthalmology)
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20 pages, 4815 KiB  
Article
Postmortem Digital Image Correlation and Finite Element Modeling Demonstrate Posterior Scleral Deformations during Optic Nerve Adduction Tethering
by Seongjin Lim, Changzoo Kim, Somaye Jafari, Joseph Park, Stephanie S. Garcia and Joseph L. Demer
Bioengineering 2024, 11(5), 452; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11050452 - 2 May 2024
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1800
Abstract
Postmortem human eyes were subjected to optic nerve (ON) traction in adduction and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) to investigate scleral surface deformations. We incrementally adducted 11 eyes (age 74.1 ± 9.3 years, standard deviation) from 26° to 32° under normal IOP, during imaging [...] Read more.
Postmortem human eyes were subjected to optic nerve (ON) traction in adduction and elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) to investigate scleral surface deformations. We incrementally adducted 11 eyes (age 74.1 ± 9.3 years, standard deviation) from 26° to 32° under normal IOP, during imaging of the posterior globe, for analysis by three-dimensional digital image correlation (3D-DIC). In the same eyes, we performed uniaxial tensile testing in multiple regions of the sclera, ON, and ON sheath. Based on individual measurements, we analyzed eye-specific finite element models (FEMs) simulating adduction and IOP loading. Analysis of 3D-DIC showed that the nasal sclera up to 1 mm from the sheath border was significantly compressed during adduction. IOP elevation from 15 to 30 mmHg induced strains less than did adduction. Tensile testing demonstrated ON sheath stiffening above 3.4% strain, which was incorporated in FEMs of adduction tethering that was quantitatively consistent with changes in scleral deformation from 3D-DIC. Simulated IOP elevation to 30 mmHg did not induce scleral surface strains outside the ON sheath. ON tethering in incremental adduction from 26° to 32° compressed the nasal and stretched the temporal sclera adjacent to the ON sheath, more so than IOP elevation. The effect of ON tethering is influenced by strain stiffening of the ON sheath. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics Studies in Ophthalmology)
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13 pages, 2004 KiB  
Article
Optic Nerve Head Pulsatile Displacement in Open-Angle Glaucoma after Intraocular Pressure Reduction Measured by Optical Coherence Tomography: A Pilot Study
by Marissé Masís Solano, Emmanuelle Richer, Santiago Costantino and Mark R. Lesk
Bioengineering 2024, 11(5), 411; https://doi.org/10.3390/bioengineering11050411 - 23 Apr 2024
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1419
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction on pulsatile displacement within the optic nerve head (ONH) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with and without axial myopia. Forty-one POAG patients (19 without myopia, 9 with axial myopia and 13 glaucoma [...] Read more.
This study investigated the effect of intraocular pressure (IOP) reduction on pulsatile displacement within the optic nerve head (ONH) in primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with and without axial myopia. Forty-one POAG patients (19 without myopia, 9 with axial myopia and 13 glaucoma with no intervention) participated. Swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT) videos of the ONH were obtained before and after IOP-lowering treatment (medical or surgical) achieving a minimum IOP drop of 3 mmHg. A demons registration-based algorithm measured local pulsatile displacement maps within the ONH. Results demonstrated a significant 14% decrease in pulsatile tissue displacement in the non-myopic glaucoma cohort after intervention (p = 0.03). However, glaucoma patients with axial myopia exhibited no statistically significant change. There were no significant changes in the pulsatile ONH deformation in the control group. These findings suggest a potential link between IOP reduction and reduced pulsatile displacement within the ONH in POAG patients without myopia, offering new insights into the disease’s pathophysiology and warranting further investigation into underlying mechanisms and clinical implications. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Biomechanics Studies in Ophthalmology)
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