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Abstract #48645 Published in IGR 14-1
Evaluating the risk of eye injuries: intraocular pressure during high speed projectile impacts
Duma SM; Bisplinghoff JA; Senge DM; McNally C; Alphonse VDCurrent Eye Research 2012; 37: 43-49
PURPOSE: To evaluate the risk of eye injuries by determining intraocular pressure during high speed projectile impacts. METHODS: A pneumatic cannon was used to impact eyes with a variety of projectiles at multiple velocities. Intraocular pressure was measured with a small pressure sensor inserted through the optic nerve. A total of 36 tests were performed on 12 porcine eyes with a range of velocities between 6.2 m/s and 66.5 m/s. Projectiles selected for the test series included a 6.35 mm diameter metal ball, a 9.25 mm diameter aluminum rod, and an 11.16 mm diameter aluminum rod. Experiments were designed with velocities in the range of projectile consumer products such as toy guns. RESULTS: A range of intraocular pressures ranged between 2017 mmHg to 26,426 mmHg (39 psi-511 psi). Four of the 36 impacts resulted in globe rupture. CONCLUSIONS: Intraocular pressures dramatically above normal physiological pressure were observed for high speed projectile impacts. These pressure data provide critical insight to chronic ocular injuries and long-term complications such as glaucoma and cataracts.
Virginia Tech-Wake Forest University, Center for Injury Biomechanics, Blacksburg, VA, USA. duma@vt.edu
Full articleClassification:
9.4.7 Glaucomas associated with ocular trauma (Part of: 9 Clinical forms of glaucomas > 9.4 Glaucomas associated with other ocular and systemic disorders)