Evaluating Ciliary Body Damage Induced by Blunt Low Speed Impact Using Finite Element Simulation.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomechanics
• Medical Imaging

Background:

• Ocular injuries from blunt force trauma can lead to significant vision impairment.
• Understanding the mechanical forces involved in ciliary body injury is crucial for developing effective treatments.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the mechanical load on the ciliary body during low-speed impacts.
• To elucidate the mechanisms behind angle recession and cyclodialysis cleft formation using finite element analysis.

Main Methods:

• A finite element eye model was developed using optical coherence tomography data.
• The model simulated dynamic projectile impact on the eye.
• Mechanical properties of ocular tissues were sourced from existing literature.

Main Results:

• Stress concentration was observed in the zonules within 0.75 ms of impact.
• Maximum stress on the ciliary body (57 KPa) indicated a high probability of injury.
• Corneal and zonular stresses were quantified (3.8 MPa and 0.98 MPa, respectively).

Conclusions:

• Frontal impact induces lateral expansion, increasing tensile forces on the lens, zonules, and ciliary body.
• The ciliary body's boundary is the most vulnerable site, predisposing to angle recession and cyclodialysis cleft before retinal damage.
• The finite element model provides insights into blunt, low-speed impact ocular injuries, aiding clinical assessment and treatment.