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Finite element model and experimental validation of a solitary wave-based tonometer.
Madison Hodgson1, Ali Komaie2, Piervincenzo Rizzo3
1Department Electrical and Computer Engineering, 3700 O'Hara Street, 1132 Benedum Hall, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, 15261, USA.
Journal of the Mechanical Behavior of Biomedical Materials
|April 16, 2025
Summary
This study introduces a novel portable tonometer for measuring intraocular pressure (IOP) in glaucoma patients. The device uses solitary waves, showing a correlation between wave travel time and IOP, offering a new approach for glaucoma management.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness, strongly associated with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).
- Current gold standard IOP measurement (Goldmann applanation tonometry) lacks the ability to capture diurnal IOP variations.
- A portable, user-friendly device is needed for continuous and at-home IOP monitoring.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conceptualize, assemble, and test a novel portable tonometer for IOP measurement.
- To investigate the correlation between solitary wave travel time and IOP, considering central corneal thickness (CCT).
- To evaluate the feasibility of a new tonometer for improved glaucoma management.
Main Methods:
- Developed a portable tonometer utilizing solitary waves propagating along a particle chain.
- Experimentally quantified the effect of CCT and IOP on artificial corneas (polydimethylsiloxane).
- Employed static and dynamic finite element analyses for numerical modeling and comparison.
Main Results:
- Established a correlation between wave travel time (ToF) and both IOP and CCT in experimental and numerical models.
- Numerical and experimental results showed agreement in identifying the ToF-IOP-CCT relationship.
- Identified quantitative discrepancies necessitating further model refinement.
Conclusions:
- The novel solitary wave tonometer shows promise for IOP measurement, potentially capturing dynamic IOP changes.
- The device's performance is influenced by IOP and CCT, requiring further model optimization.
- This technology could offer a more comprehensive approach to glaucoma diagnosis and management.
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