Revolutionising Eye Care: New Algorithm to Measure Corneal Biomechanics In Vivo
Authors: Eliasy, A., Chen, K.J., Vinciguerra, R., Lopes, B.T., Abass, A., Vinciguerra, P., Ambrósio Jr, R., Roberts, C.J., and Elsheikh, A.
Journal: Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology
Publication Date: May 2019
Flowchart is demonstrating the process behind the analysis of built-in-house mesh generator software.
Summary:
We are excited to share the results of our groundbreaking research which has developed a new algorithm to determine the biomechanical properties of the human cornea in vivo (while it's still in the eye). This has significant implications for the optimisation of eye care procedures and treatments such as glaucoma management, refractive surgery planning, and corneal implant selection.
The challenge in measuring corneal biomechanics lies in separating its effects from those of intraocular pressure (IOP), which also affects the corneal response to mechanical stimuli. Our research addresses this challenge using finite element models of human ocular globes, simulating the effects of IOP and the external air puff from a non-contact tonometer on corneal response. We then developed an algorithm to predict the cornea's material behavior, which we assessed using clinical data obtained from 480 healthy participants.
Our algorithm produced a material stiffness parameter called the Stress-Strain Index (SSI), which showed no significant correlation with central corneal thickness or IOP, but was significantly correlated with age. We validated the algorithm by comparing its stiffness estimates with those obtained in earlier studies on ex-vivo human ocular tissue.
The introduction of the SSI algorithm in clinical practice could enable customization of the diagnosis and management of ocular diseases, allowing optimization of clinical procedures that interact or interfere mechanically with the eye. It has potential applications in identifying patients at risk for keratoconus or ectasia development, improving IOP measurement and glaucoma management outcomes, and aiding in surgery planning for refractive procedures.
In conclusion, our research presents a new method for estimating the biomechanical behavior of healthy corneal tissue, which can significantly improve the optimization of various eye care procedures and treatments. This groundbreaking development is expected to have a profound impact on the field of ophthalmology and the lives of countless patients worldwide.