Numerical modelling of corneal biomechanical behaviour

Abstract

Numerical modelling based on finite element analysis is used to represent the biomechanical behaviour of the cornea. The construction details of the model including the discretisation method, the mesh density, the thickness distribution, the topography idealisation, the boundary conditions and the material properties, are optimised to improve efficiency. Factors which are found to have a considerable effect on model accuracy are considered and those with effect below a certain low threshold are ignored to reduce cost of analysis. The model is validated against laboratory tests involving pressure inflation of corneal trephinates while monitoring their behaviour. To illustrate the potential of the validated model in studying corneal biomechanics, its use in modelling Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT) is briefly described. In studying GAT, the model is able to accurately trace the behaviour of the cornea under tonometric pressure and monitor the gap closure and the progress of deformation to the point of applanation.

Keywords:

• Biomechanical behaviour
• Intraocular pressure
• Cornea
• Numerical modelling

Acknowledgements

This research was conducted as part of a project on the use of tissue engineering to construct an artificial cornea funded by the European Commission.

Notes

^†Financial support—European Commission