Modelling of heat transfer in human eye using computational fluid dynamics technique

Abstract

Paper presented to the 10th International Conference on Heat Transfer, Fluid Mechanics and Thermodynamics, Florida, 14-16 July 2014.

Thermal modelling of the eye is important as it can provide us with a tool to determine the effect of external heat sources on the eye as well as to direct any abnormalities developed in the eye, as can be inferred from any deviation in the steady state temperature distribution inside the eye. It is seen that increase in blood flow in the anterior segment of the eye can increase the corneal temperature by 2.4˚C and a decrease in the blood flow in the anterior segment as well as in case of Carotid artery disease can reduce the corneal temperature by 1.3˚C. Moreover, in order to optimize laser therapy in ophthalmology, it is essential to have a better understanding of the thermal response of different sections of the eye for an imposed heat flux. In the present paper, the Computational Fluid Dynamics method is applied to analyse the steady state temperature distribution in a two-dimensional model of the human eye. For accomplishing this objective, computational fluid dynamics technique is to be used using Fluent and ICEM CFD meshing. In this study, the temperature distribution is determined in the normal unexposed human eye with a two dimensional model which is assumed to be symmetric at the pupillary axis. It consists of seven regions with boundary conditions employed on the surface of the cornea and the sclera. The results were verified with experimental and computational results obtained by previous studies on human as well as animal eyes. However because of experimental constraints the computational approach has been taken care of while considering the experimental results obtained. It is seen that the temperature distribution is different for the front and rear surface of the cornea. Also there is a variation in the temperature in the range of 34.23˚C to 34.5˚C for the cornea. The steady state temperature distribution obtained could be used unanimously with medical science to treat different diseases like cataracts, glaucoma and to list down precautions to be taken during tender state of eye especially after surgeries.