Advances in the study of biomechanics of extraocular muscle movement in strabismus (literature review)

Background. Strabismus is a common disorder occurring both among children and adults, the presence of which determines the risk of serious psychosocial consequences, including problems in obtaining an education, further employment, and personal life. Understanding the biomechanics of strabismus formation caused by uncoordinated movement of the extraocular muscles is of crucial importance in the treatment of this disease. Purpose: to summarize and systematize the literature data on the study of the biomechanics of the extraocular muscles in various forms of strabismus. Methods. An analysis of relevant publications of Russian and foreign researchers on the issues of studying the biomechanics of the extraocular muscles in health and with strabismus, presented in the official databases PubMed and E-Library for 2005–2024, was performed. Results. The currently available models that explain the biomechanics of the extraocular muscles are aimed at solving practical clinical problems and open up prospects for fundamental research: modeling and subsequent implementation of medical interventions, in particular, for the correction of strabismus. Computer biomechanical models developed in recent years make it possible to simulate various eye movements, calculate the parameters for controlling the contraction of the extraocular muscles, and expand our understanding of the integrated activity of the extraocular muscles and nerve centers. Research in the field of biomechanics of the extraocular muscles in strabismus is aimed at solving the problems of studying the causes of strabismus and the pathology of this disease in order to optimize surgical techniques and improve the results of surgical treatment. Conclusion. According to the analysis, a number of mathematical models describing the dynamics of the eye have been developed to date. Nevertheless, the analysis of literary data has shown that some features of the biomechanics of the extraocular muscles in various forms of strabismus are insufficiently studied, which determines the relevance of further research to optimize the diagnosis and treatment regimens for various forms of strabismus.