Ocular surface temperature: a 3D FEM prediction using bioheat equation

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Computational Biology
• Ophthalmology

Background:

• Previous 2D computational models of the human eye lacked precision in representing its complex 3D structure.
• Accurate thermal modeling is essential for understanding the eye's response to various conditions, including electromagnetic exposure.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a 3D Finite Element Method (FEM) model of the human eye for thermal distribution analysis.
• To compare the accuracy of the 3D model against existing 2D models and experimental data.
• To investigate the thermal effects of electromagnetic (EM) wave radiation on the human eye.

Main Methods:

• A 3D Finite Element Method (FEM) model of the human eye was developed.
• Steady-state temperature distribution was simulated under normal conditions.
• Thermal responses to electromagnetic (EM) wave radiation at 750 MHz and 1500 MHz were simulated.

Main Results:

• The 3D FEM model demonstrated a significantly lower discrepancy (0.49%) compared to experimental data than 2D models (1.9%).
• Average power absorption densities of 15,151 Wm⁻³ (750 MHz) and 22,145 Wm⁻³ (1500 MHz) were calculated.
• Peak temperatures reached 38.18°C (750 MHz) and 41.19°C (1500 MHz), showing reasonable agreement with prior simulations.

Conclusions:

• The 3D FEM human eye model provides a more accurate representation and thermal simulation than previous 2D models.
• The model effectively predicts temperature increases due to EM wave exposure, offering insights into potential ocular thermal risks.
• This validated 3D model serves as a valuable tool for further research in ocular thermal dynamics and EM interactions.