Investigation of deformation of the cornea during tonometry using FEM

Abstract

A three dimensional finite element model of the human eye is developed to evaluate the force which will be applied over the surface of cornea during tonometry and gonioscopy tests. The standard tonometers and gonioscopy experiences deformation from 0.5mm to 3mm of the cornea is adopted during both point contact and boundary contact on the surface of the cornea. The results demonstrate the maximum force experienced by the tonometer with point contact at the center of the cornea for the maximum possible deformation of the cornea during tonometry. The study also analyzes for the force experienced by the tonometer or goniolens with boundary layer contact for the defined deformation of the cornea along the direction from cornea towards the retina.