Abstract
.Optical coherence elastography (OCE) can provide clinically valuable information based on local measurements of tissue stiffness. Improved light sources and scanning methods in optical coherence tomography (OCT) have led to rapid growth in systems for high-resolution, quantitative elastography using imaged displacements and strains within soft tissue to infer local mechanical properties. We describe in some detail the physical processes underlying tissue mechanical response based on static and dynamic displacement methods. Namely, the assumptions commonly used to interpret displacement and strain measurements in terms of tissue elasticity for static OCE and propagating wave modes in dynamic OCE are discussed with the ultimate focus on OCT system design for ophthalmic applications. Practical OCT motion-tracking methods used to map tissue elasticity are also presented to fully describe technical developments in OCE, particularly noting those focused on the anterior segment of the eye. Clinical issues and future directions are discussed in the hope that OCE techniques will rapidly move forward to translational studies and clinical applications.
Highlights
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has outstanding spatial resolution, noncontact operation, and sufficient penetration depth in ocular tissues, making it a nearly perfect match for ophthalmologic applications
OCT can be used in specific configurations to probe biomechanical properties, a technique referred to as optical coherence elastography (OCE).[1]
We describe the fundamental principles of OCE as applied in ophthalmology, noting limitations that must be considered in developing the technology for practical applications primarily in the anterior segment
Summary
Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has outstanding spatial resolution, noncontact operation, and sufficient penetration depth in ocular tissues, making it a nearly perfect match for ophthalmologic applications. Recent advances in OCT light sources, scanning protocols, methods to detect micron- and nanoscale motion, and sources of noncontact excitation have led to near real-time optical elastography of ocular tissues for practical clinical application. OCE has the potential to quantitatively map the elastic modulus with sub-mm to micron resolution, providing the information needed to drive biomechanical models predicting shape changes in the primary focusing apparatus of the eye. If this can be demonstrated in the clinic, OCE can help guide and optimize therapeutic interventions on a personalized basis with a precision beyond the current state-of-the-art. We refer the reader to a number of reviews that touch on a wider application space.[43,44,45,61]
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