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Damping of intraocular pressure fluctuations
Author(s) -
Cringle Stephen J,
Yu DaoYi
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
clinical and experimental ophthalmology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.3
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1442-9071
pISSN - 1442-6404
DOI - 10.1111/j.1442-9071.2012.02784.x
Subject(s) - intraocular pressure , glaucoma , volume (thermodynamics) , bubble , mechanics , medicine , atmospheric pressure , ophthalmology , thermodynamics , physics , meteorology
A bstract Background: There is increasing evidence that relatively rapid spikes in intraocular pressure may contribute to axonal damage in glaucoma. The present study seeks to quantify the ability of a compressible damping element (a simple air bubble) to reduce intraocular pressure fluctuations induced by a known change in intraocular fluid volume. Methods: A mathematical model describing the damping of intraocular pressure increases for a given infusion volume was developed and compared with experimental data obtained from isolated pig eyes. A damping element (100 µL to 2 mL of air) was added to the system, and the effect on the induced intraocular pressure change for a given infusion volume was assessed. Results: The introduction of the damping element reduced the intraocular pressure change in a volume‐dependent manner consistent with the mathematical modelling. The maximum bubble size tested (2 mL) dampened the intraocular pressure change by an average of 63.5 ± 8.7% at a baseline pressure close to 20 mmHg. Close agreement was seen between the mathematical model and the experimental data. Conclusion: Mathematical modelling and experiments in isolated pig eyes demonstrated that the addition of a damping element in the form of a compressible air bubble is capable of significantly reducing induced intraocular pressure spikes.