Abstract
The retina can be regarded as an elastic membrane or sheet which stretches and deforms when a force is applied to it. Isolated bovine retina was taken and a graded traction force applied to determine retinal profile as a function of force. The resulting profile can be modelled mathematically and the model then used to determine a value for the elastic constant. The value of the elastic constant obtained by this method is approximately 2 N/m. This value of the elastic constant, combined with the observed retinal thickness, yields a value of Young's modulus for retina of approximately 2 × 104 Pa, which is about 2 orders of magnitude weaker than typical rubber. This value can then be used in modelling retinal behaviour in vivo when forces are applied to detached retina.
Similar content being viewed by others
Article PDF
References
Schepens CL : Retinal Detachment. Philadelphia: Saunders, 1983: 694–742.
Zauberman H, Berman ER : Measurement of adhesive forces between the sensory retina and the pigment epithelium. Exp Eye Res 1969, 8: 276–83.
Zauberman H, de Guillebon H, Holly FJ : Retinal traction in vitro: biophysical aspects. Invest Ophthalmol 1972, 11: 46–55.
de Guillebon H, Zauberman H : Experimental retinal detachment: biophysical aspects of retinal peeling and stretching. Arch Ophthamol 1972, 87: 545–8.
Wu W, Peters WH, Hammer ME : Basic mechanical properties of retina in simple elongation. J Biomech Eng 1987, 109: 65–7.
Stevens JD, Jones IL, Warner M, Lavin M, Lever P : Mathematical modelling of retinal tear formation: implications for the use of heavy liquids. Eye 1992, 6: 69–74.
Moses RA, Hart WM Jr, (eds): Adler's Physiology of the Eye: Clinical Application, 8th edn. St. Louis: CV Mosby, 1987, 458–90.
Ryan SJ : Retina, vol 1, St. Louis: CV Mosby, 1989, 13–16.
Kain HL : A new model for examining chorioretinal adhesion experimentally. Arch Ophthalmol 1984, 102: 608–11.
Harrison RD (ed.): Book of Data. London: Longman Group, 1977.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Jones, I., Warner, M. & Stevens, J. Mathematical modelling of the elastic properties of retina: A determination of Young's modulus. Eye 6, 556–559 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1038/eye.1992.121
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/eye.1992.121
Keywords
This article is cited by
-
Liquid-metal-based three-dimensional microelectrode arrays integrated with implantable ultrathin retinal prosthesis for vision restoration
Nature Nanotechnology (2024)
-
A force measurement platform for a vitreoretinal surgical simulator using an artificial eye module integrated with a quartz crystal resonator
Microsystems & Nanoengineering (2022)
-
Biomechanical properties of retina and choroid: a comprehensive review of techniques and translational relevance
Eye (2021)
-
Concept and application of relaxing radial retinectomy for retinal detachment with advanced proliferative vitreo-retinopathy
International Journal of Retina and Vitreous (2020)
-
Biomechanism of resistance to retinal injury in woodpecker’s eyes
Science China Life Sciences (2020)