Application of CAD and CAE Integrations for Designing an Ocular Surface Irrigating Device

Abstract

The research is to design an ocular surface irrigating device which used to assist in patients with ocular trauma by chemicals or other hazardous substances. The device is designed to have a maximal capacity of 65 ml and the top of this can be connected to the IV fluid line. The normal saline (0.9% NaCl solution) is then allowed to flow to the device and then drained out at the bottom hole. The device is separately designed for left and right eyes. The use of a silicone pad at the bottom of the device is necessary to prevent leakage and reduce the pressure that might cause any uncomfort to the patients while in use. Flow simulation within the device was analyzed by using Solidworks at flowrates of 0.5, 1.0, 2.0 and 2.74 cm³/s, respectively. The analytical results were found that the flowrate of 2.74 cm³/s (free flow) was the most proper flow rate for effective eye irrigation in these patients. The device was printed from Phrozen Aqua Clay 3D printing technology and clinically tested by an ophthalmologist. The experimental results showed good agreement with analytical results and greatly facilitated the ophthalmologist.