High-Frequency Ultrasound Elastography to Assess the Nonlinear Elastic Properties of the Cornea and Ciliary Body
Junhang Zhang, Javier Murgoitio-Esandi, Xuejun Qian, Runze Li, Chen Gong, Amir Nankali, Hao Liang, Benjamin Y. Xu, K. Kirk Shung, Assad A. Oberai, Qifa Zhou
Abstract
Mechanical properties of the anterior anatomical structures of the eye, such as the cornea and ciliary body, play a key role in the ocular function and homeostasis. However, measuring the biomechanical properties of the anterior ocular structures, especially deeper structures, such as the ciliary body, remains a challenge due to the lack of high-resolution imaging tools. Herein, we implement a mechanical shaker-based high-frequency ultrasound elastography technique that can track the induced elastic wave propagation to assess the linear and nonlinear elastic properties of anterior ocular structures. The findings of this study advance our understanding of the role of anterior ocular structures in the pathogenesis of different ocular disorders, such as glaucoma.