High rate internal pressurization of the human eye to determine dynamic rupture pressure

Over 1.9 million people suffer from eye injuries in the United States, occurring from automobile accidents, sports related impacts, and military combat. The purpose of the current study is to analyze the rupture pressure of human eyes using a high rate pressurization system. Internal pressure was dynamically induced into the eye with a drop tower pressurization system. The rupture pressure was measured with a small pressure sensor inserted into the optic nerve. A total of 10 human eye dynamic pressure tests were performed to determine rupture pressure and to compare the results with previous data. It was found that the average high rate rupture pressure of human eyes is 0.89+/- 0.25 MPa. In comparing these data with previous studies, it is concluded that as the loading rate increases the rupture pressure also increases.