Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation analysis on retinal gas cover rates using computational eye models

Abstract

We investigated the change in the retinal gas cover rates due to intraocular gas volume and positions using computational eye models and demonstrated the appropriate position after pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) with gas tamponade for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs). Computational fluid dynamic (CFD) software was used to calculate the retinal wall wettability of a computational pseudophakic eye models using fluid analysis. The model utilized different gas volumes from 10 to 90%, in increments of 10% to the vitreous cavity in the supine, sitting, lateral, prone with closed eyes, and prone positions. Then, the gas cover rates of the retina were measured in each quadrant. When breaks are limited to the inferior retina anterior to the equator or multiple breaks are observed in two or more quadrants anterior to the equator, supine position maintained 100% gas cover rates in all breaks for the longest duration compared with other positions. When breaks are limited to either superior, nasal, or temporal retina, sitting, lower temporal, and lower nasal position were maintained at 100% gas cover rates for the longest duration, respectively. Our results may contribute to better surgical outcomes of RRDs and a reduction in the duration of the postoperative prone position.