Fluid Mechanics of the Eye

Fluid mechanical processes are an intrinsic part of several aspects of the physiology and pathology of the human eye. In this article we describe selected phenomena that are amenable to particularly interesting mathematical, experimental, or numerical analyses. We initially focus on glaucoma, a condition often associated with raised intraocular pressure. The mechanics in this disease is by no means fully understood, but we present some of the modeling work that provides a partial explanation. We next focus on other features of the dynamics of the two specialized ocular fluids: the aqueous and vitreous humors. With regard to the aqueous humor, we discuss problems concerning the transport of heat and proteins and the hydration of the cornea. With regard to the vitreous humor, we discuss the possibility of flow, which occurs primarily as a result of saccades or motions of the eyeball. Finally, we describe a model of the degradation of Bruch's membrane in the retina.