Developing a Computer Model that Predicts the Outcome of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking
School Name
Academic Magnet High School
Grade Level
12th Grade
Presentation Topic
Engineering
Presentation Type
Mentored
Written Paper Award
1st Place
Abstract
Keratoconus is a degenerative disorder of the cornea that affects 1 in 2000 people worldwide. Corneal collagen crosslinking [CXL] has been developed as a treatment option for this disorder. Many different CXL protocols exist, so the development of a model that can predict the effect a certain CXL protocol will have on the cornea is necessary. Current models of CXL do not account for oxygen, but it has been shown in various studies that oxygen is needed for CXL. To fill this gap, an oxygen-dependent model of CXL was developed. Corneas were crosslinked for 10, 20, and 30 minutes, and tensile tests were performed to determine the Young’s Modulus [YM]. The results of the tensile tests were compared to the model that was developed and used to validate it. Ultimately, it was concluded that the oxygen-dependent diffusion model that was developed was successful in modeling the CXL procedure and could be useful in determining the efficacy of different CXL protocols and optimizing the CXL procedure.
Recommended Citation
Ward, Deidra M., "Developing a Computer Model that Predicts the Outcome of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking" (2015). South Carolina Junior Academy of Science. 36.
https://scholarexchange.furman.edu/scjas/2015/all/36
Start Date
4-11-2015 11:30 AM
End Date
4-11-2015 11:45 AM
Developing a Computer Model that Predicts the Outcome of Corneal Collagen Crosslinking
Keratoconus is a degenerative disorder of the cornea that affects 1 in 2000 people worldwide. Corneal collagen crosslinking [CXL] has been developed as a treatment option for this disorder. Many different CXL protocols exist, so the development of a model that can predict the effect a certain CXL protocol will have on the cornea is necessary. Current models of CXL do not account for oxygen, but it has been shown in various studies that oxygen is needed for CXL. To fill this gap, an oxygen-dependent model of CXL was developed. Corneas were crosslinked for 10, 20, and 30 minutes, and tensile tests were performed to determine the Young’s Modulus [YM]. The results of the tensile tests were compared to the model that was developed and used to validate it. Ultimately, it was concluded that the oxygen-dependent diffusion model that was developed was successful in modeling the CXL procedure and could be useful in determining the efficacy of different CXL protocols and optimizing the CXL procedure.
