Biomechanical assessment in models of glaucomatous optic neuropathy

•The biomechanical environment within the eye is of interest in glaucoma, but is complex and difficult to determine.•To understand this environment, researchers are using finite element modeling and measurements of tissue deformation and microstructure.•Recent advances in these areas have provided better understanding of how tissue properties influence development and susceptibility of glaucoma.•The potential of this body of work to translate into new diagnostic tools, IOP control strategies, and neural protection strategies is exciting.•The article concludes with important open research questions.

The biomechanical environment within the eye is of interest in both the regulation of intraocular pressure and the loss of retinal ganglion cell axons in glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Unfortunately, this environment is complex and difficult to determine. Here we provide a brief introduction to basic concepts of mechanics (stress, strain, constitutive relationships) as applied to the eye, and then describe a variety of experimental and computational approaches used to study ocular biomechanics. These include finite element modeling, direct experimental measurements of tissue displacements using optical and other techniques, direct experimental measurement of tissue microstructure, and combinations thereof. Thanks to notable technical and conceptual advances in all of these areas, we are slowly gaining a better understanding of how tissue biomechanical properties in both the anterior and posterior segments may influence the development of, and risk for, glaucomatous optic neuropathy. Although many challenging research questions remain unanswered, the potential of this body of work is exciting; projects underway include the coupling of clinical imaging with biomechanical modeling to create new diagnostic tools, development of IOP control strategies based on improved understanding the mechanobiology of the outflow tract, and attempts to develop novel biomechanically-based therapeutic strategies for preservation of vision in glaucoma.