Thermal physical modelling for eye injury prevention in high environmental temperature workplaces

Background: High temperatures are encountered in many workplaces as iron and steel foundries, nonferrous foundries, brick-firing and ceramic plants, glass products facilities, rubber products factories, electrical utilities, bakeries, laundries, chemical plants, mining sites, smelters, and steam tunnels. Workers in these industries can suffer from various diseases and injuries, including eye problems, due to exposure to high temperatures and handling of heavy materials. Methods: This study aims to analyse the pressure inside the eye's anterior chamber, known as Intraocular Pressure (IOP), and its relation to the biomechanical properties of the cornea, specifically concerning the cornea's temperature. The approach used is based on the first law of thermodynamics. The results demonstrate the relationship between the ocular anterior chamber's temperature and the cornea's biomechanical properties. Results: The IOP measures the cornea's elasticity and its refractive properties concerning its temperature. We develop a study to investigate how the cornea's elastic work, or potential energy, changes with temperature. Our findings indicate that as the temperature rises, the work done by the cornea decreases. The cornea's temperature is affected by both the surrounding environment and the temperature of the fluid in the front part of the eye. This suggests a link between the work done by the cornea against the pressure of the fluid in the front of the eye and the fluid. Accordingly, there is also a correlation between the thickness of the cornea and the IOP, and our modelling method enables us to establish this relationship. Conclusions: The first law of thermodynamics is used to determine the work done by the anterior chamber against the internal cornea wall. Temperature regulates the aqueous humour's secretion, excretion, and flow dynamics, impacting IOP and related diseases. This has implications for developing preventive systems to protect workers' eyes from injury.