Mathematical Models of Vitreous Humour Dynamics and Retinal Detachment

Abstract

The vitreous humour is a gel-like substance, which fills the vitreous chamber at the posterior part of the eye. It is a clear transparent material that can be mechanically characterised as a visco-elastic fluid. The vitreous has the important role of holding the retina in contact with the retinal pigment epithelium. During vitreous motion vitreoretinal tractions are generated and this might potentially lead to retinal detachment (RD). Studying the vitreous mechanical behaviour is thus relevant for understanding the physiology and pathophysiology of the eye. Mathematical modelling has provided significant contributions into understanding vitreous dynamics and the role it has on the occurence of vitreoretinal pathologies. In this chapter we first discuss works addressing vitreous motion induced by eye rotations and the possible generation of large mechanical stresses on the retina. Secondly we discuss models associated with RD, focusing on the progression of rhegmatogenous RD and the formation of exudative RD.