Posters

Finite element model to analyze the influence of age-related ocular rigidity on visual accommodation

Poster Details

First Author: A.Hipsley USA

Co Author(s):    G. Waring IV   I. Bojtar   Z. Bocksai   J. Downs   M. Wilder  

Abstract Details

Purpose:

Using a customized software application 2D/3D Finite Element Model (FEM), an interactive algorithm is formulated to serve as a predictor of biomechanical changes required for accommodative effort. A numerical simulation staging system for the progression of presbyopia based on material properties and geometry of applied scleral tissue modifications is offered.

Setting:

This research is being conducted in collaboration with the Civil Engineering Department of the University of Budapest and the Department of Ophthalmology School of Medicine at the University of Alabama.

Methods:

A biomechanical algorithm can be formulated utilizing computational software for analysis of ocular structural changes of the anatomical parts of the eye related to accommodation, based on several key published works. This algorithm can be programmed into a mathematical software application to provide an interactive tool for the acquisition of diagnostic and experimental data bases. Manipulation and classification variables of age-related functions using applied geometric and material property input are performed. The specific focus of the model is to isolate the impact of age-related ocular rigidity changes as it relates to its influence on Central Optical Power (COP) during accommodation. Determinant indicators from laser speckle interferometry of the scleral stress strain mapping will be offered as it relates to accommodative forces in various states of ocular rigidity.

Results:

Age-related and material composition alterations resulting in specific changes in the biomechanical properties of the sclera are modeled computationally using customized computer software. The influence of ocular rigidity on COP of the crystalline lens for accommodative effort are quantified and presented as it relates to the biomechanical impact of the aging process. The connection between the age-related material properties, geometric and refractive parameters as well as amplitude of accommodation are presented.

Conclusions:

Much attention has been given to optical /mechanical properties of the lens. Ocular rigidity may be important in age-related changes in accommodation. FEM derived biomechanical algorithms may prove helpful to establish acquisition of diagnostic and experimental data to predict presbyopic outcomes based on the alterations of the elastic modulus of sclera. Laser speckle interferometry can be an effective pre-determinant of effects of ocular rigidity on loss of accommodation, as well as the correlation of ocular rigidity to other age-related diseases. Outcomes of this study could potentially identify predictive determinants of ocular rigidity as a treatment indicator for presbyopia. FINANCIAL INTEREST: One of more of the authors... receives consulting fees, retainer, or contract payments from a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented, One of more of the authors... research is funded, fully or partially, by a company producing, developing or supplying the product or procedure presented