Finite element based mechanical models of the cornea for pressure and indenter loading.
BACKGROUND
In this article, we examine the finite element method and its use in mechanical modeling of the cornea.


METHODS
Both linear elastic and geometrically nonlinear models are considered. The effects of corneal geometry, boundary conditions, thickness, and the number of layers in the model are determined.


RESULTS
Results indicate that, for intraocular pressure loading, the thickness and the choice of boundary conditions at the limbus are significant.


CONCLUSIONS
A model of tonometry showed that simulating the layered nature of the cornea and including the increased flexibility of large deformation are critical.
Vito
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RP
School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30332-0405.
Carnell
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PH
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D003198:Computer Simulation; D003315:Cornea / Q000502:physiology*; D004548:Elasticity; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000502:physiology*; D008954:Models, Biological; D012030:Refractive Errors / Q000503:physiopathology; D054140:Refractive Surgical Procedures; D014065:Tonometry, Ocular