Numerical Modelling of Uveoscleral Outflow Pathway in Aqueous Humor Drainage

Ong, Kai Chuin (2021) Numerical Modelling of Uveoscleral Outflow Pathway in Aqueous Humor Drainage. Final Year Project (Bachelor), Tunku Abdul Rahman University College.

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Abstract

Glaucoma has been the most common cause of permanent blindness globally. It caused by elevation of Intraocular Pressure (IOP). Aqueous humor (AH) is a clear fluid that helps and fills the anterior chamber (AC) and posterior chamber (PC) of the eye. The AH leaves the human eyes via two pathways which are the trabecular meshwork (TM) and uveoscleral pathway. This study simulates an eye model with the AH drainage via the TM and uveoscleral pathway to determine the influence of it. The inclusion of uveoscleral outflow pathway to find out the influence the IOP and AH flow inside the anterior and posterior chambers is being tested. TM accounts up to 80% of the outflow while uveoscleral outflow pathway is learned to account 15-20% of the outflow and 54% in a young healthy human. A 3D eye model with 6 major parts which are the AC, PC, cornea, iris, TM and uveoscleral pathway is being constructed in this study. The model can be divided into two main functions which are the flow model and thermal model. A baseline model with 245911 elements is being used for further investigation to fulfil the objectives of the study. The inclusion of uveoscleral pathway does affect the AH flow profile and pressure at the outlets. However, it does not affect the AH profile and IOP in the AC and PC. The TM has a strong relationship with the uveoscleral pathway. The drainage percentage of the AH in conventional and unconventional pathway can affect the outlets pressure and velocity due to the resistance to the AH flow. The AH flow profile and pressure profile are different in standing and supine position. The knowledge of uveoscleral outflow in current study may help in future studies.