Compressional Optical Coherence Elastography of the Cornea
Manmohan Singh1, Achuth Nair1, Salavat R Aglyamov2
1Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Houston, 3517 Cullen Blvd., Room 2027, Houston, TX 77204, USA.
Photonics
|September 20, 2023
Summary
Optical coherence elastography (OCE) accurately measures corneal biomechanical properties. This technique shows increased corneal stiffness with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) and after corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL).
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Medical Imaging
Background:
- Corneal biomechanical properties are vital for diagnosing eye diseases.
- Current methods for assessing corneal stiffness have limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate the utility of compression-based optical coherence elastography (OCE) for measuring corneal biomechanical properties.
- To validate OCE in preclinical models and assess its in vivo feasibility.
Main Methods:
- Application of compression-based optical coherence elastography (OCE).
- Validation using an in situ rabbit model.
- Demonstration of feasibility for in vivo measurements.
Main Results:
- Corneal stiffness significantly increased with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP).
- UV-A/riboflavin corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) markedly enhanced corneal stiffness.
- Consistent results were observed across in situ and in vivo, whole and partial CXL scenarios.
Conclusions:
- Compression OCE reliably measures corneal biomechanical properties.
- The technique shows significant potential for clinical applications in ophthalmology.
