Corneal biomechanics and diagnostics: a review.
Options
BORIS DOI
Publisher DOI
PubMed ID
38478103
Description
PURPOSE
Corneal biomechanics is an emerging field and the interest into physical and biological interrelations in the anterior part of the eye has significantly increased during the past years. There are many factors that determine corneal biomechanics such as hormonal fluctuations, hydration and environmental factors. Other factors that can affect the corneas are the age, the intraocular pressure and the central corneal thickness. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the factors affecting corneal biomechanics and the recent advancements in non-destructive, in vivo measurement techniques for early detection and improved management of corneal diseases.
METHODS
Until recently, corneal biomechanics could not be directly assessed in humans and were instead inferred from geometrical cornea analysis and ex vivo biomechanical testing. The current research has made strides in studying and creating non-destructive and contactless techniques to measure the biomechanical properties of the cornea in vivo.
RESULTS
Research has indicated that altered corneal biomechanics contribute to diseases such as keratoconus and glaucoma. The identification of pathological corneas through the new measurement techniques is imperative for preventing postoperative complications.
CONCLUSIONS
Identification of pathological corneas is crucial for the prevention of postoperative complications. Therefore, a better understanding of corneal biomechanics will lead to earlier diagnosis of ectatic disorders, improve current refractive surgeries and allow for a better postoperative treatment.
Corneal biomechanics is an emerging field and the interest into physical and biological interrelations in the anterior part of the eye has significantly increased during the past years. There are many factors that determine corneal biomechanics such as hormonal fluctuations, hydration and environmental factors. Other factors that can affect the corneas are the age, the intraocular pressure and the central corneal thickness. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the factors affecting corneal biomechanics and the recent advancements in non-destructive, in vivo measurement techniques for early detection and improved management of corneal diseases.
METHODS
Until recently, corneal biomechanics could not be directly assessed in humans and were instead inferred from geometrical cornea analysis and ex vivo biomechanical testing. The current research has made strides in studying and creating non-destructive and contactless techniques to measure the biomechanical properties of the cornea in vivo.
RESULTS
Research has indicated that altered corneal biomechanics contribute to diseases such as keratoconus and glaucoma. The identification of pathological corneas through the new measurement techniques is imperative for preventing postoperative complications.
CONCLUSIONS
Identification of pathological corneas is crucial for the prevention of postoperative complications. Therefore, a better understanding of corneal biomechanics will lead to earlier diagnosis of ectatic disorders, improve current refractive surgeries and allow for a better postoperative treatment.
Date of Publication
2024-03-13
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
600 - Technology::610 - Medicine & health
Keyword(s)
Biomechanical properties Biomechanics Brillouin spectroscopy Cornea
Language(s)
en
Additional Credits
Universitätsklinik für Augenheilkunde
Series
International ophthalmology
Publisher
Springer
ISSN
0165-5701
Access(Rights)
open.access