Corneal Strain Induced by Intracorneal Ring Segment Implantation Visualized With Optical Coherence Elastography

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomechanical Engineering
• Corneal Physiology

Background:

• Intracorneal ring segments (ICRS) are used to correct refractive errors.
• Understanding the biomechanical effects of ICRS implantation on corneal tissue is crucial for optimizing surgical outcomes.
• Direct measurement of corneal strain after ICRS procedures is limited.

Purpose of the Study:

• To directly record the axial strain field in the cornea following stromal tunnel creation and ICRS implantation.
• To investigate the relationship between induced corneal strain and changes in corneal curvature.

Main Methods:

• Porcine eyes underwent ICRS implantation or sham surgery.
• Optical coherence tomography was used to capture corneal deformation at varying intraocular pressures (IOP).
• Vector-based phase difference methods analyzed displacements to determine strain fields and corneal curvature.

Main Results:

• Localized compressive strain was observed near the stromal tunnel, independent of IOP.
• ICRS implantation induced annular tensile strain at its inner border.
• Corneal curvature changes correlated with regions of induced strain.

Conclusions:

• ICRS implantation induces localized corneal strains associated with refractive changes.
• Corneal strain and curvature are directly interrelated after ICRS surgery.
• Investigating surgical-induced corneal strain provides insights into refractive surgery mechanisms.