Development of an Eye Model Using 3D-Printing for Correlating Measured Intraocular Pressure with Actual Internal...

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Simulation

Background:

• Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement is crucial for diagnosing and managing glaucoma.
• Accurate tonometry training is essential for ophthalmologists and optometrists.
• Existing training models may lack realistic pressure variability and measurement correlation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a 3D-printed eye model for simulating intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement.
• To evaluate the model's utility as a training device for tonometry.
• To assess the correlation between clinical IOP measurements and actual internal pressure within the model.

Main Methods:

• A 3D eye model was designed using CAD and fabricated via resin stereolithography (SLA) 3D-printing.
• Intraocular pressure was simulated from 7 to 55 mmHg in 5 mmHg increments.
• Measurements were taken using a Tono-pen and Perkins hand-held tonometer, correlated against a pressure gauge.

Main Results:

• The 3D-printed eye model reliably generated internal pressures from 0 to 56 mmHg.
• Tono-pen measurements showed a strong correlation with internal pressure above 7 mmHg (Pearson r = 0.99, p < 0.0001).
• Accurate IOP measurement with the Perkins tonometer proved challenging due to mire alignment difficulties.

Conclusions:

• The 3D-printed eye model demonstrates a strong correlation between Tono-pen IOP readings and measured internal pressure.
• The model's adjustable internal pressure makes it a valuable tool for practicing tonometry across various pressure ranges.
• This 3D-printed model offers a promising solution for realistic tonometry training.