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Age-related changes in human peripapillary scleral strain
Massimo A Fazio1, Rafael Grytz, Jeffrey S Morris
1Department of Ophthalmology, Center for Ocular Biomechanics and Biotransport, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1670 University Blvd., VH 390A, Birmingham, AL, 35294, USA.
Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology
|July 31, 2013
Summary
Mechanical strain in the human sclera (the eye's white outer layer) changes with age, particularly around the optic nerve head. This age-related shift in strain may impact eye health.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomechanics
- Gerontology
Background:
- The posterior human sclera's mechanical properties are crucial for maintaining optic nerve head (ONH) integrity.
- Age-related changes in scleral biomechanics may influence the development of optic neuropathies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate age-related alterations in mechanical strain within the posterior human sclera.
- To determine how strain distribution around the ONH varies with age and anatomical location.
Main Methods:
- Inflation testing of postmortem human scleral shells (ages 20-90) from 5 to 45 mmHg.
- Measurement of 3D surface displacements using laser speckle interferometry.
- Calculation of the full strain tensor and analysis of principal tensile strain in peripapillary and mid-peripheral sectors.
Main Results:
- Peripapillary scleral tensile strain is significantly higher than in more peripheral regions.
- Overall peripapillary scleral strain and stiffness increase with age.
- A reversal in sectorial strain patterns occurs with age: nasal sectors have higher strain in younger individuals, while temporal sectors show higher strain in the elderly.
Conclusions:
- Age significantly alters mechanical strain distribution in the posterior human sclera, particularly around the ONH.
- The age-related reversal in sectorial strain patterns may increase the risk of biomechanical damage to the lamina cribrosa.
- Observed strain changes correlate with previously reported age-related changes in disk hemorrhages and neuroretinal rim area.
