Biomechanics Of Glaucoma: A Parametric Study Of Flow In Schlemm'S Canal

Glaucoma is one of the most common causes of blindness, affecting approximately seventy million people. Glaucoma is typically caused by high intraocular pressures due to increased outflow resistance, which is primarily concentrated within the trabeculae meshwork and the canal of Schlemm. Debris within trabecular spaces can complicate and limit formation and reabsorption of aqueous humor, leading to elevated interocular pressures. In this study, the biomechanics of Primary Open-Angle Glaucoma are investigated. Computational modeling in physiologically realistic geometries is performed to examine the relationship between intraocular pressure and downstream trabecular and canal resistance. The governing equations for fluid flow are solved, and the influence of such factors as tissue porosity is evaluated. Increased understanding of the biomechanics of glaucoma can improve diagnosis and treatment of this disease.