Abstract
Purpose :
Presentation of a three-dimensional (3D) model of fluid dynamics of the human eye. Simulating the flow of aqueous relative to dynamic ocular anatomy and physiology at various ages would improve our understanding of disease processes as well as therapeutic interventions.
Methods :
Simulation of the hydrodynamics of the human eye was created using a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) model in fluid simulation software (Ansys, Inc). The CFD has been developed based on a Finite Element Model (FEM) of accommodation/disaccommodation. The FEM was coupled with the CFD model using fluid-structure interaction (FSI) to quantify ocular fluid flow and hydrodynamics precisely. Key anatomical structures, including the sclera, ciliary muscles, crystalline lens, lens capsule, zonules, choroid, Schlemm's canal, and trabecular meshwork,are incorporated. Emphasis was placed on e Schlemm's canal and trabecular meshwork to determine the etiology of glaucoma. The Laser Scleral Microporation (LSM) procedure was simulated in Virtual Reality (VR) to quantify changes in aqueous humor dynamics and determine the possible mechanisms of action for IOP reduction.
Results :
The multiphysics FSI demonstrated the dynamic fluid flow occurring during accommodation and disaccommodation. This simulation quantifies the amount of flow going through each path. By adding the LSM treatment to our simulation, we can see the effect of different micropore patterns on the flow enabling prediction and optimization of the LSM procedure to increase the effect in the outflow channels.
Conclusions :
This Multiphysics FSI simulation will give us deeper understanding of the aqueous humor flow pathways during accommodation. It will also enable us to evaluate how LSM affects flow pathways.
This abstract was presented at the 2023 ARVO Annual Meeting, held in New Orleans, LA, April 23-27, 2023.