Biomechanical analysis of ocular diseases and its in vitro study methods

Abstract

Ocular diseases are closely related to the physiological changes in the eye sphere and its contents. Using biomechanical methods to explore the relationship between the structure and function of ocular tissue is beneficial to reveal the pathological processes. Studying the pathogenesis of various ocular diseases will be helpful for the diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases. We provide a critical review of recent biomechanical analysis of ocular diseases including glaucoma, high myopia, and diabetes. And try to summarize the research about the biomechanical changes in ocular tissues (e.g., optic nerve head, sclera, cornea, etc.) associated with those diseases. The methods of ocular biomechanics research in vitro in recent years are also reviewed, including the measurement of biomechanics by ophthalmic equipment, finite element modeling, and biomechanical analysis methods. And the preparation and application of microfluidic eye chips that emerged in recent years were summarized. It provides new inspiration and opportunity for the pathogenesis of eye diseases and personalized and precise treatment.

Multifocal acoustic radiation force-based reverberant optical coherence elastography for evaluation of ocular globe biomechanical properties

“…The observed variation in deformation across different regions is thought to be influenced by structural factors, including collagen distribution and orientation, as well as the distribution and concentration of elastin fibers in the cornea 9 . These findings hold significant implications for understanding corneal biomechanics, the pathogenesis of corneal diseases, and the potential for tailored therapeutic approaches 32 , 33 . Moreover, the apparent radial non-uniformity in the elastic wave speed map of the cornea, as shown in Fig.…”

“…9 These findings hold significant implications for understanding corneal biomechanics, the pathogenesis of corneal diseases, and the potential for tailored therapeutic approaches. 32,33 Moreover, the apparent radial non-uniformity in the elastic wave speed map of the cornea, as shown in Fig. 6(b), particularly at the peripheral regions (i.e., the pre-limbal region), may suggest the existence of potential stiffness variation in the different corneal quadrants.…”

Biomechanical homeostasis in ocular diseases: A mini-review

“…Till now, the present studies of biomechanical analysis mainly focus on glaucoma ( 79 ), DR ( 80 ) and high myopia ( 81 ). The mainstream analytical methods of ocular biomechanics can be summarized into three subcategories, including (1) computational modeling (e.g., finite element modeling): a simplified model under ideal conditions with substantial variations from real-life situations ( 79 ); (2) microfluidic eye chips: a newly emerging 3D cell culture system providing novel insights for biomechanical studies in vitro ( 82 ); (3) the commercially available medical equipment (e.g., Corvis ST and wearable IOP biosensor) for clinical assessment ( 83 , 84 ).…”

3D heartbeat optical coherence elastography to map the elasticity of the cornea

“…Various ocular diseases and therapeutic procedures lead to changes in the mechanical rigidity of the cornea, which influences the health, structural integrity, and normal function of the human eye 1,2 . Diseases including keratoconus and other forms of corneal ectasia cause alterations in corneal structure and biomechanics.…”