Thesis Committee:
C. Ross Ethier (BME, Georgia Institute of Technology) (Advisor)
Todd Sulchek (BME, Georgia Institute of Technology)
W. Daniel Stamer (Ophthalmology/BME, Duke University)
Machelle Pardue (Ophthalmology, Emory University)
Andres J. Garcia (BME, Georgia Institute of Technology)


Title: Mechanical Properties of the Trabecular Meshwork

Abstract:
Glaucoma is an eye disease that can cause total permanent blindness without treatment. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the most important risk factor and the only proven treatment currently available for glaucoma is IOP reduction. Trabecular meshwork (TM) stiffness has been measured in previous studies and it is suggested that change of TM stiffness may play a role in IOP dysregulation. However, previous studies have limitations such as the use of completely excised TM and confounding effects of glaucoma medications. In this project, in Aim 1, we propose a specimen-specific FEM to estimate TM stiffness in a more physiologically relevant manner. In aim 2, we propose to investigate the relation between measured TM stiffness and outflow facility in mice.  By accomplishing this project, it will answer the fundamental question of whether variation of TM stiffness contributes to the increased outflow resistance, leading to elevated IOP.