How Everyday Head Movements Affect Retinal Detachment Progression
Authors: Vroon, J., de Jong, J.H., Aboulatta, A., Eliasy, A., van der Helm, F.C.T., van Meurs, J.C., Wong, D., and Elsheikh, A.
Journal: Biomechanics and Modeling in Mechanobiology
Publication Date: Feb 2018
The figure shows ultrasound imaging of two different patients: one with a retinal detachment (b, e) and one with only a vitreous detachment (c, f). Also shown is the model in similar states as the ultrasound images (a, d). The top three images a–c show the onset of eye rotation; the bottom three images d–f show the situation after rotation. The movements of the vitreous and the deformation of the retina in the ultrasound images are larger and more dampened than the movements seen in the model
Summary:
Retinal detachment is a severe eye condition that can lead to blindness if left untreated. In the most common form, called rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RD), the retina breaks and fluid seeps into the subretinal space. Doctors often advise patients to limit their head and eye movements while they wait for surgery to slow down the progression of RD. But how do head and eye movements actually affect RD progression? That's the question our research team set out to answer.
We began by creating a mathematical model of the human eye based on data from previous studies. This model allowed us to simulate the effects of head movements and rapid eye movements, called saccades, on the retina. Our goal was to understand how these movements contribute to the progression of RD.
Our findings were quite revealing. We discovered that mild head movements and severe eye movements produced similar traction loads on the retina. This means that both types of movements can pull on the retina, potentially causing RD to worsen. However, we found that head movements, not eye movements, were more likely to cause loads that could trigger and progress RD.
These preliminary results suggest that head movements have a more significant effect on RD progression than saccadic eye movements. In other words, it's more important for patients with RD to limit their head movements than to avoid making rapid eye movements.
While our study provides valuable insights into the progression of RD, there's still more work to be done. For example, our model could be improved by more accurately measuring the stiffness properties of the retina and the vitreous, the gel-like substance that fills the eye. Additionally, it would be interesting to investigate how different presentations of RD might influence its progression.
Overall, our research highlights the importance of understanding the role of head movements in RD progression. This knowledge may help improve treatment options for patients and reduce the risk of blindness.