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

Abstract

Quantifying the biomechanical properties of the whole eye globe can provide a comprehensive understanding of the interactions among interconnected ocular components during dynamic physiological processes. By doing so, clinicians and researchers can gain valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying ocular diseases, such as glaucoma, and design interventions tailored to each patient's unique needs. Aim:The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of a multifocal acoustic radiation force (ARF) based reverberant optical coherence elastography (RevOCE) technique for quantifying shear wave speeds in different ocular components simultaneously.Approach: We implemented a multifocal ARF technique to generate reverberant shear wave fields, which were then detected using phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography. A 3D-printed acoustic lens array was employed to manipulate a collimated ARF beam generated by an ultrasound transducer, producing multiple focused ARF beams on mouse eye globes ex vivo. RevOCE measurements were conducted using an excitation pulse train consisting of 10 cycles at 3 kHz, followed by data processing to produce a volumetric map of the shear wave speed. Results:The results show that the system can successfully generate reverberant shear wave fields in the eye globe, allowing for simultaneous estimation of shear wave speeds in various ocular components, including cornea, iris, lens, sclera, and retina. A comparative analysis revealed notable differences in wave speeds between different parts of the eye, for example, between the apical region of the cornea and the pupillary zone of the iris (p ¼ 0.003). Moreover, the study also revealed regional variations in the biomechanical properties of ocular components as evidenced by greater wave speeds near the apex of the cornea compared to its periphery. Conclusions:The study demonstrated the effectiveness of RevOCE based on a non-invasive multifocal ARF for assessing the biomechanical properties of the whole eyeball. The findings indicate the potential to provide a comprehensive understanding of the mechanical behavior of the whole eye, which could lead to improved diagnosis and treatment of ocular diseases.

High-resolution mapping of embryo mechanical properties during development with reverberant OCE

“…7 Results from a mouse eye globe showed the capabilities of this method to measure the biomechanical properties of an entire structure with similar resolution as the embryos. 8 Studies utilizing this method in live embryos are ongoing.…”

“…Imaging was performed with a phase-sensitive spectral domain optical coherence tomography system, which has been previously described. 7,8 Briefly, the system was based on a Michelson-style interferometer and a superluminescent diode with a central wavelength of 840 nm and a bandwidth of 49 nm. The axial and lateral resolutions of the OCT system were ~8 µm in air, and the displacement stability was < 1 nm in the common-path configuration.…”