Shangbang Luo , Gagik P. Djotyan , Rohan Joshi , Tibor Juhasz , Donald J. Brown , James V. Jester
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Purpose
While changes in meibum quality are correlated with severity of meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD) and dry eye disease, little is known regarding the mechanics of meibum secretion. The purpose of this study was to develop a finite element model of meibum secretion and evaluate the effect of various factors that might impact meibum delivery to the ocular surface.
Methods
A finite element analysis in COMSOL 6.0 was used to simulate the flow of meibum within the gland's terminal excretory duct. Historical normal human meibum rheology data taken over the meibum melting range from fluid (35–40 °C) to solid (25–30 °C) were then used to calculate the minimum yield stress and plastic viscosity of meibum. The effects of meibum melting state, eyelid pressure and terminal duct diameter on meibum flow rates were then systematically investigated.
Results
The melting state of meibum from liquid to solid was associated with an increase in the minimum yield stress and plastic viscosity that caused an exponential decrease in meibum flow. Modeling also established that there was a linear correlation between meibum flow rate and eyelid pressure needed to express meibum and the 4th power of the terminal duct radius.
Conclusions
Our results suggest that changes in the melting state of meibum from fluid to solid, as well as changes in the radius of the terminal excretory duct and the force exerted by the eyelid can lead to dramatic decreases in the flow of meibum. Together these findings suggest alternative mechanisms for meibomian gland obstruction.
期刊介绍:
The Ocular Surface, a quarterly, a peer-reviewed journal, is an authoritative resource that integrates and interprets major findings in diverse fields related to the ocular surface, including ophthalmology, optometry, genetics, molecular biology, pharmacology, immunology, infectious disease, and epidemiology. Its critical review articles cover the most current knowledge on medical and surgical management of ocular surface pathology, new understandings of ocular surface physiology, the meaning of recent discoveries on how the ocular surface responds to injury and disease, and updates on drug and device development. The journal also publishes select original research reports and articles describing cutting-edge techniques and technology in the field.
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