Three-dimensional finite element analysis of hyperbaric oxygen therapy on the optic nerve from a damaged orbit

A middle-aged male patient with a right orbital comminuted fracture underwent computer tomography scanning, and a three-dimensional finite element model of the eyes and relevant tissues was established. Optic nerve stress in a hyperbaric oxygen environment was simulated and analyzed by changing the elastic modulus and external pressure of the skull at the damage side. Results showed that stress maximized at the contact site of the optic nerve and the eyeball in the damaged and intact eye orbits. Optic nerve stress at the damaged orbit significantly increased; however, stress in the intact orbit only slightly changed with decreased elastic modulus of the skull while external pressure remained unchanged. Maximum optic nerve stress increased in the damaged and intact side, along with increased external pressure, while elastic modulus remained unchanged. These experimental findings suggested that the optic nerve was compressed under hyperbaric oxygen and optic nerve stress was greater in the damaged orbit than in the intact orbit.