A finite element model of the eye matched with in vitro experiments for the prediction of traumatic retinal detachment

Abstract

This study aimed to conduct finite element (FE) analysis matched with an in vitro experiment to analyze traumatic retinal detachments (TrRD) resulting from blunt trauma and provide stress and strain thresholds to predict the occurrence of TrRD. The in vitro experiment was performed on forty-eight porcine eyes using a pendulum device. We examined dynamic mechanical responses at four energy levels. A FE model, based on experimental results and published data, was used to simulate TrRD. Fifty-one additional eyes underwent immediate pathological examination following blunt impact. A dynamic variation of velocities was observed post-impact, displaying an approximate cosine oscillation-attenuation profile. Energy absorption increased as the initial energy and differed significantly at four energy levels (p < 0.001). FE simulation showed a peak strain of 0.462 in the anterior vitreous body and a peak stress of 1.408 MPa at the cornea at the high-energy level. During the energy transfer, the stress was initially observed in retinal region along the impact direction at the separation. TrRD were observed in injured eyes, where a few detachments were detected in control eyes. Correlations were performed between the proportion of pathological outcomes and FE results. In conclusion, this study suggests that stress contributes to the development of retinal detachment, providing an indicator to distinguish the occurrence of TrRD.