Finite element simulation for finding shear wave velocity on the Feline cornea and Comparison with shear wave velocity on human cornea, canine, and keratoconus

This study presents a finite element (FE) simulation framework for determining the shear wave velocity of the feline cornea and comparing it with human, canine, and keratoconic corneas. A hyper-viscoelastic material model was implemented in ABAQUS, combining a Neo-Hookean hyperelastic formulation with a generalized Maxwell viscoelastic model represented by a Prony series. The corneal geometry incorporated species-specific thickness, curvature, and diameter parameters under physiological intraocular pressure (15 mmHg). Shear wave propagation was simulated using excitation pressures of 15 000–30 000 Pa. The calculated shear wave velocity in the feline cornea ranged from 5.26 m/s to 5.43 m/s, showing an increasing trend with excitation pressure. Comparative results indicated the following interspecies relationship: c s ,keratoconus < c s ,human < c s ,feline < c s ,canine . These findings demonstrate that the feline cornea exhibits biomechanical characteristics closer to the canine cornea, reflecting similar hyper-viscoelastic responses. The model provides a validated computational basis for evaluating corneal stiffness and supports future shear wave elastography studies in comparative and veterinary ophthalmology.