Two-dimensional elastic distribution imaging of the sclera using acoustic radiation force optical coherence elastography

The scleral elasticity is closely related with many ocular diseases, but the relevant research is still insufficient. Here, we utilized optical coherence elastography to carefully study biomechanical properties of the sclera at different positions and under different intraocular pressures. Meanwhile, elastic wave velocity and Young's modulus of each position were obtained using a phase velocity algorithm. Accordingly, the two-dimensional elasticity distribution image was achieved by mapping the Young's modulus values to the corresponding structure based on the relationship between the position and its Young's modulus. Therefore, elastic information in regions-of-interest can be read and compared directly from the scleral structure, indicating that our method may be a very useful tool to evaluate the elasticity of sclera and provide intuitive and reliable proof for diagnosis and research. Acoustic radiation force optical coherence elastography and an improved phase velocity algorithm are utilized to study the biomechanical properties of different parts of the sclera under different IOP levels in this paper. The wave velocity of each position is calculated by this novel velocity algorithm, and then the modulus value is mapped to the two-dimensional elastic distribution image. In conclusion, the obtained results provide invaluable information for sclera elasticity and may be beneficial for diagnosis of relevant eye diseases.image