558 - Ocular Biomechanics and Correlation with Microstructure

The Colloquium brings together researchers in ocular biomechanics and ocular microstructure to discuss latest research findings and collaboration opportunities. Four important areas are expected to feature strongly in the Colloquium;
(1) Determination of the material properties of corneal and sclera tissue through either inflation or strip extensiometry test methods. Significant advances have been made in recent years especially in inflation testing using digital image correlation and inverse modelling. Efforts have also been made to address the clamping issue in strip testing in order to prevent specimen slippage while avoiding stress concentration at the clamps. In parallel, several research groups are currently working on optimum methods to integrate the material properties obtained experimentally (mainly on tissue hyperelasticity, hysteresis, viscoelasticity and anisotropy) in predictive numerical models of ocular response to disease, impact and surgery.

(2) Use of microstructure data to guide the introduction of anisotropy in different parts of the human eye. The microstructure of the cornea has been well characterised through decades of research by the Biophysics Group in Cardiff. However, the microstructure of the sclera has received much less attention, and only recently information has been generated on most of the sclera. It will be useful to share this information with researchers in ocular biomechanics and to discuss methods to implement the scleral microstructure in the construction of predictive numerical models of the eye – similar to what has been done in the cornea.

(3) Use of cross-linking – either by UVA/riboflavin or chemical means – to stiffen corneal tissue in eyes with keratoconus. There is a strong body of experimental and clinical evidence supporting the notion of stiffness increase in the cornea caused by UVA cross-linking, and the resulting halt or slowing down of the progression of keratoconus. Discussions at the Colloquium could cover methods to optimise the UVA treatment, effect of treatment on deformation of the lamina cribrosa and hence glaucoma development and progression, and also the possible use of cross-linking to stiffen posterior sclera in cases with high myopia.

(4) Construction of multi-level numerical simulations as predictive tools of ocular response to surgeries and other forms of therapy. Discussions could cover the new developments in numerical modelling, and the cost and likely benefit of adopting modelling techniques that closely represent the eye’s internal structure. Recent developments in the construction of predictive models, which can estimate the effect of refractive surgeries on corneal topography can be covered and are expected to attract much attention from researchers working in different fields of ocular biomechanics.

Other areas that could be included depending on duration of colloquium are ocular micromechanics, tonometry techniques, measurement of corneal properties in-vivo and corneal implants.