For this project I worked with a mechanical engineering professor to help in the fight against Central Retinal Vein Occlusion, a condition that can be associated with Glaucoma, and is a common cause of marked or total loss of vision in the middle-aged and elderly population. This condition causes the central vien (located inside the optic nerve) to become clogged; the blockage increases the pressure seen in the eye and can very quickly cause complications including blindness in the most serious cases.
Our team was working with a University of Pittsburgh Medical Center doctor examining possible cures to this problem, including creating a small incision in the affected eye to relieve pressure buildup.
Computer model of the retina (UNIX code Ingrid was used).
Multiple nodes making up the FEA model.
Pressure added to the model.
Closeup of the central retinal vein.