Characterizing Biomechanics of Limbal Niche Using Vibrational Optical Coherence Elastography

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Tissue Mechanics

Background:

• The limbal niche provides adult epithelial stem cells essential for cornea epithelium regeneration.
• Aging and disease alter the limbus's architecture and biomechanical properties.
• Non-destructive quantification of limbal niche properties and their age-related changes is needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To non-destructively and simultaneously quantify limbal niche architecture and biomechanical properties.
• To investigate age-related changes in these limbal niche characteristics.

Main Methods:

• Utilized a lab-built vibrational optical coherence elastography (OCE) device.
• Collected structural images and depth-resolved elasticity of human corneoscleral tissues (aged 4-96 years).
• Validated limbal palisades of Vogt (POV) delineation with histology.

Main Results:

• Successfully delineated limbal palisades of Vogt (POV) in OCT images.
• Spatially mapped POV undulations with simultaneous elasticity measurements.
• Observed a significant influence of age on POV dimensions.
• Found significantly higher elastic modulus in limbal niches of individuals aged ≥65 compared to <65.

Conclusions:

• Vibrational OCE can non-destructively map limbal niche architecture and elasticity.
• Aging significantly impacts limbal niche dimensions and increases tissue stiffness.
• These findings provide insights into age-related changes in the cornea's stem cell niche.