Studying Retinal Detachment Progression Using an Immersed Boundary Method

WilliamAnnan

Clarkson University

"Studying Retinal Detachment Progression Using an Immersed Boundary Method"

Retinal detachment occurs when the neurosensory retina separates from the retinal pigment epithelium (RPE), disrupting the nutrient supply to photoreceptor cells. There are three types of retinal detachment: exudative (ERD), tractional (TRD), and rhegmatogenous (RRD), with RRD being the most common. RRD develops when a retinal tear or hole allows vitreous humor to enter the subretinal space, causing the neurosensory retina to detach from the RPE. If left untreated, this condition can lead to irreversible vision loss. Although ophthalmological tools can detect RRD, its rate of progression—particularly due to continuous eye movement—remains poorly understood. This study develops a fluid-structure interaction model to examine how various factors, including retinal thickness, elasticity, adhesion strength between the retina and RPE, vitreous humor density and viscosity, and eye rotation speed, influence detachment progression. By quantifying detachment rates under different conditions, this research aims to enhance our understanding of RRD dynamics and refine estimates of effective treatment timelines to prevent permanent visual impairment. Student: William Ebo Annan Advisors: Prof. Diana White & Prof. Emmanuel O.A. Asamani
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