Optic nerve head biomechanics in aging and disease

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomechanics
• Mechanobiology

Background:

• Optic nerve head (ONH) biomechanics and mechanobiology are crucial for understanding aging and diseases like glaucoma.
• Mechanical forces and tissue deformations in the posterior pole and ONH are key areas of study.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the distribution of mechanical forces and deformations in the posterior pole and ONH.
• To examine the living system's response to these deformations, focusing on the ONH's reaction to intraocular pressure (IOP) elevations.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on ONH biomechanics and mechanobiology.
• Focus on the structural responses of the lamina cribrosa, peripapillary sclera, and neural tissues to IOP.

Main Results:

• Discusses the biomechanical basis for IOP-driven changes in connective tissues, blood flow, and cellular responses.
• Highlights the interplay between ONH biomechanics, aging, and extracellular matrix (ECM) in glaucoma.

Conclusions:

• ONH biomechanics and mechanobiology are central to glaucoma susceptibility, onset, and progression.
• Understanding these mechanical aspects is vital for developing effective glaucoma management strategies.