Energy Storage and Dissipation in the Eye: The Importance of the Biomechanical Connections between the Cornea-Limbus-Scleral Series Biomechanical Element and the Scleral-Optic Nerve-Posterior Segment Tissues in Protecting Sensitive Visual Components from Mechanical Damage

Abstract

An understanding of ocular biomechanics is essential to appreciate the molecular structure of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye and their role in maintaning corneal shape, refractive power and visual acuity. Energy storage, transmission and dissipation are essential elements of normal mechanical homeostasis. Vibrational Optical Coherence Tomography (VOCT) was used to study the viscoelasticity of the anterior and posterior segments of the porcine eye. Our VOCT results indicate that both the cornea and retina are highly viscoelastic tissues that can dissipate large amounts of applied energy to support mechanical homeostasis of the anterior and posterior segments of the eye. We conclude that a relationship exists between the anterior cornea-limbus-scleral series biomechanical unit and the posterior sclera-retina complex that assists in energy dissipation. This relationship limits structural changes in the eye and supports delicate ocular posterior segment structures like the retina and optic nerve from acute or chronic insult