[Modeling and finite element analysis of human trabecular meshwork outflow pathways]

Area of Science:

• Ocular biomechanics
• Computational fluid dynamics
• Glaucoma research

Context:

• Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness, is primarily linked to elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).
• Understanding aqueous humor outflow through the trabecular meshwork (TM) is crucial for managing glaucoma.
• Conventional methods face limitations in analyzing fluid dynamics within the TM.

Purpose:

• To quantitatively correlate intraocular pressure (IOP), iris mechanical properties, and aqueous humor dynamics.
• To develop a 3D fluid-structure interaction (FSI) model of the anterior eye segment.
• To simulate and analyze the effects of IOP and iris mechanics on aqueous humor flow.

Summary:

• A 3D FSI model simulating human ocular anatomy was created to analyze aqueous humor flow.
• Simulations revealed significant correlations between IOP, iris deformation, and iris Young's modulus.
• Elevated IOP suppressed TM aqueous flow velocity and increased wall shear stress in Schlemm's canal (SC) and collector channels.

Impact:

• Findings highlight the role of tissue mechanics and FSI in regulating outflow resistance.
• Provides valuable data for developing novel clinical therapies targeting IOP reduction in glaucoma.
• Offers a computational approach to study complex ocular fluid dynamics, overcoming experimental limitations.