Pressure changes in the eye due to an injection of inert gases: a theoretical model.
In the repair of retinal tears and detachments, the vitreous humor is often completely replaced with a temporary mixture of gases, one of which is not normally found in the bloodstream. The resulting bubble can then support the healing retina. There is diffusion of gases, however, from the bubble into the bloodstream and vice versa. This alters the intraocular pressure, with possible adverse consequences, as the intraocular pressure must be maintained within a certain range for the procedure to be successful. A simple model has been developed to predict the evolution of intraocular pressure over time, given a certain initial mixture of injected gases. This model could be useful in determining what mixture to use to support effectively and safely a healing retina.
Tyson
R
R
Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Washington, Seattle 98195.
Welch
W T
WT
Berreen
J
J
Wells
C
C
Pearson
C E
CE
D002196:Capillaries / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D007429:Intraocular Pressure / Q000187:drug effects*; D008433:Mathematics; D008954:Models, Biological; D005741:Noble Gases / Q000494:pharmacology* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012163:Retinal Detachment / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012167:Retinal Perforations / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000628:therapy; D012171:Retinal Vessels / Q000503:physiopathology; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride / Q000494:pharmacology
D005741:Noble Gases; D013459:Sulfur Hexafluoride