Iris structure, aqueous flow, and glaucoma risk

Biomedical researchers have demonstrated that modeling of the biomechanical structure of the iris and the flow of aqueous humor has revealed new information and risk factors for glaucoma. The researchers have used principles of elasticity to evaluate pressure-induced stresses in the iris and Navier-Stokes equations of fluid dynamics to describe aqueous flow. Investigations have revealed that the iris is constantly in motion, passing from posterior chamber through a channel formed between iris and lens into the pupil area of the anterior chamber and through the anterior chamber angle between the iris and cornea before exiting the eye. The researchers have also used ultrasound biomicroscopy to image the eye in conditions of bright light and darkness.