In vivo evaluation of corneal biomechanical properties by optical coherence elastography at different cross-linking irradiances

Corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) strengthens the biomechanical properties of damaged corneas. Quantifying the changes of stiffness due to different CXL protocols is difficult, especially in vivo. A noninvasive elastic wave-based optical coherence elastography system was developed to construct in vivo corneal elasticity maps by excitation of air puff. Biomechanical differences were compared for rabbit corneas given three different CXL protocols while keeping the total energy delivered constant. The Young’s modulus was weaker in corneas treated with higher irradiance levels over shorter durations, and a slight increase of Young’s modulus was present in all groups one week after the recovery process. Due to the noninvasive nature and minimal force to generate corneal elastic waves, this technique has the potential for early detection and treatment of corneal diseases in clinic.