Assessment of elasticity distribution in the crystalline lens using optical coherence elastography

Abstract

Optical coherence elastography (OCE) is a promising technique for evaluating the elasticity of ocular tissues. However, quantifying the mechanical properties of the crystalline lens remains challenging due to the difficulty of imaging the transparent structure with optical coherence tomography (OCT). We propose an OCE approach that assesses lens elasticity using acoustic radiation force (ARF) excitation. By focusing the ARF at varying depths within the lens, shear waves are generated and subsequently detected at the lens surface using OCT. The propagation velocity of the shear waves is then used to calculate the local shear modulus and quantify the Young's modulus of the lens. Experiments conducted on porcine lenses demonstrate that the Young's modulus varies spatially within the lens and differs between normal and cataractous lenses. This noninvasive method enables quantitative elasticity mapping within the crystalline lens, offering potential for improved diagnosis and treatment for lens-related ocular diseases.