Speaker:Kara L Maki, School of Mathematical Sciences, RIT
Title: Settling Dynamics of the Contact Lens

Abstract: The U.S. contact lens industry is a multi-billion dollar industry; 34 million people wear contact lenses nationwide. We study the settling dynamics of a contact lens to help accelerate the empirical design process used in the industry. When a contact lens is placed in the eye, it is subjected to forces from both the tear film and the blink, and in response, the lens bends and stretches. These forces allow for proper lens centration, and they create the suction pressure responsible for keeping the lens on the corneal surface. We couple fluid and solid mechanics to formulate a mathematical model that can predict the changes in pressure distribution and lens shape over time. We explore the role of the different forces in influencing the contact lens fit. This work is in collaboration with Bausch + Lomb, David S. Ross, and Emily K. Holz.

Time: Friday, October 26, 2012, 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Place: Planetary Hall (formerly S & T I), Room 242

Department of Mathematical Sciences
George Mason University
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