Artificial simulation of th aqueous humor dynamics of the conventional outflow pathway under physiological and pathological conditions

Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness in the world and remains a devastating ophthalmic condition. Current management seems limited and focuses mainly on reducing intraocular pressure. Glaucoma research models such as cell and organ based culture, computer simulation and animal models have played major roles in advancing the field, however, disease progression still occurs indicative that the pathophysiology of glaucoma has not been fully elucidated. In an attempt to shed some light into this issue, a novel artificial hydraulic model has been developed to empirically simulate fluid dynamics of the human conventional outflow pathway. Using non-biological materials, this model comprised of critical elements of the human aqueous outflow tract that include a microsyringe pump (simulating aqueous inflow/outflow), 35-gauge needle (stimulating trabecular meshwork), one way valve (simulating Schlemm’s canal inner wall endothelia) and a distal fluid column (simulating episcleral venous pressure) interconnected in between by pressure transducers and rigid tubings. The model was able to replicate various components of the conventional outflow pathway under physiological and pathological conditions. This system can potentially provide options to incorporate biological materials (i.e. cell cultures), include a parallel uveoscleral outflow system and/or simulate collector channel resistance to create a more comprehensive model to further our understanding in aqueous outflow dynamics.