Acoustic radiation force optical coherence elastography for ocular biomechanics

Abstract

The mechanical properties of the cornea, limbus, and sclera provide important information regarding eye health. Optical coherence elastography (OCE) is highly suitable for assessing ocular tissues' mechanical properties due to its high resolution and superior displacement sensitivity. Typically, elastography involves an external mechanical excitation of the tissue. We recently adopted a method of Air-Coupled Acoustic Radiation Force for the generation of elastic waves in ocular tissues. This method shows several clear advantages other than the traditionally used air-puff excitation. However, the safety of this method needs to be studied before its clinical applications. Also, there is increased interest in passive elastography, where the mechanical response to natural physiological forces like heartbeat and respiration is measured. I will also demonstrate examples of using heartbeat for quantification of tissues' mechanical properties in vivo.