Investigation of the Optic Nerve Head Morphology Influence to the Optic Nerve Head Biomechanics - Patient Specific Model.

Abstract

Glaucoma is associated with damage and death of optic nerve fibers within the Lamina Cribrosa (LC) region of the Optic Nerve Head. The pathogenesis of the disease is unclear, and the anterior LC surface morphology of different individuals can be one of the possible contributor of glaucoma development and progression. The current study evaluates the relationship between the LC surface curvature and distribution of shear stresses on the LC surface. The patient-specific reconstructed ocular model was developed and analyzed in a finite element analysis software. In addition, the effect of elastic modulus of both sclera and LC on the shear stress was examined. Results showed that there is a correlation between the shear stress distribution and the curvature of the anterior LC surface. This finding highlights the potential significance of the LC morphology on the distribution of LC shear stress and require further investigation.