Secrets of the Vitreous: A Closer Look at Its Viscoelastic Properties
Authors: Aboulatta, A., Abass, A., Makarem, A., Eliasy, A., Zhou, D., Chen, D., Liu, X., Elsheikh, A.
Journal: Journal of the Royal Society Interface
Publication Date: Feb 2021
Finite-element model of the porcine eye globe supported with the gelatine.
Summary:
Have you ever wondered about the gel-like substance that fills most of our eyes? Called the vitreous, it has a crucial role in maintaining the eye's shape and function. Our research team set out to gain a deeper understanding of this important substance and its viscoelastic properties.
We tested 18 porcine eyes within 48 hours post-mortem, using a custom-built computer-controlled test rig that simulated eye movement. By analysing the movements of marked points on the vitreous surface, we developed a finite-element model and used it to estimate the material properties of the vitreous.
Our findings revealed that the initial shear modulus, the long-term shear modulus, and the viscoelastic decay constant of the porcine vitreous were 2.10 ± 0.15 Pa, 0.50 ± 0.04 Pa, and 1.20 ± 0.09 s−1, respectively. These estimations were significantly different from previous research, which might be attributed to our method of testing the vitreous in its natural physiological conditions.
This research is important because understanding the vitreous's properties can help us comprehend various eye diseases such as vitreoretinal interface disease, retinal detachment, and posterior vitreous detachment. Additionally, it can provide valuable insights for future treatments and surgical procedures.
It's important to note that our study used porcine eyes due to the difficulty in obtaining human eyes in large numbers. Future research will be needed to verify if our findings are applicable to human tissue. Moreover, further studies can explore the potential differences in the properties of different regions within the vitreous.
In conclusion, our study has shed light on the viscoelastic properties of the vitreous humour, providing a more accurate understanding of its initial and long-term shear moduli when tested in near-physiological conditions. This new knowledge can pave the way for a better understanding of eye diseases and potential treatments.