Simulation of airbag impact on eyes after trabeculectomy by finite element analysis method
Azukisawa, M.; Sato, T.; Ito, Y.; Kamezawa, H.; Nomura, E.; Nishide, T.; Kadonosono, K.; Uchio, E.; Goto, S.
Nippon Ganka Gakkai Zasshi 109(7): 406-416
2005
ISSN/ISBN: 0029-0203 PMID: 16050459 Document Number: 593886
Purpose : A finite element computer model of the human eye after trabeculectomy was used in an experiment of simulated airbag ocular injury.Methods: A half-layer-incised scleral flap was created on the limbus and the strength of its adhesion to the outer sclera was set at 30%, 50% and 100%. The simulations were performed at a workstation using the finite element analysis program PAM CRASH (TM) (Nihon ESI, Tokyo, Japan), and the airbag was set to hit the surface of the post-trabeculectomy eye at various velocities in two directions, straight to the corneal center or straight to the scleral flap.Results : In the case of airbag impact on the corneal center, the scleral flap was unlikely to rupture except when the airbag impact velocity was 40 m/sec. In the case of airbag impact on the seleral flap, at the lowest impact velocity of 20 m/sec, partial scleral flap rupture was likely to occur only at the lower adhesion strength, and scleral laceration extending to the posterior sclera was observed at impact velocities of over 30 m/sec.Conclusions : These simulation results suggest that current airbags may induce globe rupture in eyes after trabeculectomy treatment.