High-rate internal pressurization of human eyes to predict globe rupture.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the dynamic rupture pressure of the human eye by using an in vitro high-rate pressurization system to investigate blunt-impact eye injuries.


METHODS
Internal pressure was dynamically induced in the eye by means of a drop-tower pressurization system. The internal eye pressure was measured with a small pressure sensor inserted into the eye through the optic nerve. A total of 20 human eye tests were performed to determine rupture pressure and characterize rupture patterns.


RESULTS
The high-rate pressurization resulted in a mean (SD) rupture pressure of 0.97 (0.29) MPa (7275.60 [2175.18] mm Hg). A total of 16 eyes ruptured in the equatorial direction, whereas 4 ruptured in the meridional direction. There was no significant difference in the rupture pressure between the equatorial and meridional directions (P= .16).


CONCLUSIONS
As the loading rate increases, the rupture pressure of the human eye increases.


CONCLUSIONS
Eye injuries are expensive to treat, given that the estimated annual cost associated with adult vision problems in the United States is $51.4 billion. Determining globe rupture properties will establish injury criteria for the human eye to prevent these common yet devastating injuries.
Department of Mechanical Engineering, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA. Bisplinj@vt.edu
Jill A
JA
Bisplinghoff
Craig
C
McNally
Stefan M
SM
Duma
D001696:Biomechanical Phenomena; D004547:Elastic Tissue / Q000293:injuries*; D004548:Elasticity; D005131:Eye Injuries / Q000503:physiopathology*; D006801:Humans; D008954:Models, Biological; D011312:Pressure; D012421:Rupture; D012590:Sclera / Q000293:injuries*; D014160:Transducers, Pressure; D014741:Video Recording; D014949:Wounds, Nonpenetrating / Q000503:physiopathology*