Factors Influencing Optic Nerve Head Biomechanics

Abstract

The model predicts that ONH biomechanics are strongly dependent on scleral biomechanical properties. Acute deformations of ONH tissues, and the consequent high levels of neural tissue strain, were less strongly dependent on the action of IOP directly on the internal surface of the ONH than on the indirect effects of IOP on the sclera. This suggests that interindividual variations in scleral properties could be a risk factor for the development of glaucoma. Eye size and lamina cribrosa biomechanical properties also have a strong influence on ONH biomechanics.