Basic Engineering Concepts and Terminology Underlying Ocular Rigidity

This chapter outlines basic concepts for quantifying, understanding and comparing mechanical forces and material properties, with a particular emphasis on the relevance of these concepts to ocular biomechanics. We introduce the concepts of stress, strain, elastic modulus, and viscoelasticity. Additionally, we examine several simple equations used to describe the mechanical environment of the eye at an organ level. We conclude with a discussion of the ways in which cells perceive and respond to their mechanical environment.