Biomechanical Study of the Eye with Keratoconus-Type Corneal Ectasia Using a 3D Geometric Model

Keratoconus is an eye disease that distorts the shape of the cornea. This study aimed to analyze the effect of an increase in intraocular pressure applied to eyes with different severity of keratoconus disease using patient-specific models. Finite element models of the normal eye, eye with keratoconus, and eye with keratoglobus were constructed. The loading conditions considered the intraocular pressure increment as well as their physiological intraocular pressure. The analysis was performed with distinct materials for normal and keratoconic eyes. The finite element analysis revealed differences in the three models in terms of their deformation and maximum principal stress, and differences were observed in corneal curvature and thickness. These findings could enhance research in the biomechanical area, leading to more successful treatment options and a more individualized approach in the field of practical ophthalmology. Further investigation with larger sample sizes and more precise data on eye material would allow us to evaluate whether these disparities could inform the diagnosis of keratoconus. © 2023 by the authors.