Effect of Magnetic Field on Aqueous Humor Flows Inside Anterior Chamber of Human Eye

TL;DR

This study analyzes how magnetic fields influence aqueous humor flow in the human eye's anterior chamber, considering different orientations and temperature gradients, with implications for targeted drug delivery.

Contribution

It provides an analytical and numerical investigation of magnetic field effects on eye fluid dynamics, a novel approach for enhancing drug delivery methods.

Findings

Magnetic fields affect flow velocity more in the supine position.

Flow remains primarily buoyancy-driven despite magnetic influence.

Perpendicular magnetic fields reduce flow velocity most significantly.

Abstract

Aqueous humor (AH) dynamics is responsible for maintaining intraocular pressure, ocular health and targeted drug delivery within the eye. This study investigates the flow of AH within the anterior chamber (AC) under the combined influence of a uniform magnetic field and natural convection. Different orientations of the magnetic field and temperaature gradient are considered. A lubrication approximation is employed and the resulting equations are solved using regular perturbation method. The analytical solutions are validated using numerical simulations performed in COMSOL Multiphysics 6.2. In the standing position, AH flow field is characterised by a single vortex, while in the supine position, it forms two counter-rotating vortices. The velocity is found to be higher in standing position. The effect of a uniform magnetic field on the velocity is more significant in the supine position. The magnetic field does not change the flow field qualitatively as buoyancy is the primary driving force. In the standing position a magnetic field oriented perpendicular to the eye resulted in a greatest reduction of AH velocity, as compared to a magnetic field along the eye. This study is a step towards holistic approach for targeted drug delivery using magnetic fields in eye.