Extended numerical analysis of an eyeball injury under direct impact

Abstract The objective of this study was to develop a numerical model of the eyeball and orbit to simulate a blunt injury to the eyeball leading to its rupture, as well as to conduct a comparative analysis of the results obtained using the finite element method against the clinical material concerning patients who had suffered an eyeball rupture due to a blunt force trauma. Using available sclera biometric and strength data, a numerical model of the eyeball, the orbital contents, and the bony walls were developed from the ground up. Then, eight different blunt force injury scenarios were simulated. The results of numerical analyses made it possible to identify possible locations and configurations of scleral rupture. The obtained results were compared against the clinical picture of patients hospitalized at the Clinic of Ophthalmology in 2010–2016 due to isolated blunt force trauma to the eyeball. It has been demonstrated that the extent of damage observed on the numerical model that indicated a possible location of eyeball rupture did not differ from the clinically observed configurations of the scleral injuries, however this applies to injuries the extend of which did not exceed 2–3 clock-hours on the eyeball. It has been found that the direction of the impact applied determines the location of eyeball rupture. Most often the rupture occurs at the point opposite to the clock-hour of the impact application. The eyeball rupture occurs in the first 7–8 milliseconds after the contact with the striking object, assuming that it strikes at a speed close to the speed of a human fist. It has been established that the injuries most often affected the upper sectors of the eyeball. Men are definitely more likely to sustain such injuries. Eyeball ruptures lead to significant impairment of visual acuity being most often degraded to light perception in front of the eye. Despite immediate specialist treatment, it is possible to achieve, on average, a visual acuity of 0.26 as per the Snellen scale. This study may contribute to a better understanding of injury mechanisms and better treatment planning. It may also contribute to the development of eyeball protection methods for persons exposed to the above-mentioned injuries.