Translating ocular biomechanics into clinical practice: Current state and future prospects

Michaël J.A. Girard, William J. Dupps, Mani Baskaran, Giuliano Scarcelli, Seok H. Yun, Harry A. Quigley, Ian A. Sigal, Nicholas G. Strouthidis

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

55 Scopus citations

Abstract

Biomechanics is the study of the relationship between forces and function in living organisms and is thought to play a critical role in a significant number of ophthalmic disorders. This is not surprising, as the eye is a pressure vessel that requires a delicate balance of forces to maintain its homeostasis. Over the past few decades, basic science research in ophthalmology mostly confirmed that ocular biomechanics could explain in part the mechanisms involved in almost all major ophthalmic disorders such as optic nerve head neuropathies, angle closure, ametropia, presbyopia, cataract, corneal pathologies, retinal detachment and macular degeneration. Translational biomechanics in ophthalmology, however, is still in its infancy. It is believed that its use could make significant advances in diagnosis and treatment. Several translational biomechanics strategies are already emerging, such as corneal stiffening for the treatment of keratoconus, and more are likely to follow. This review aims to cultivate the idea that biomechanics plays a major role in ophthalmology and that the clinical translation, lead by collaborative teams of clinicians and biomedical engineers, will benefit our patients. Specifically, recent advances and future prospects in corneal, iris, trabecular meshwork, crystalline lens, scleral and lamina cribrosa biomechanics are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1-18
Number of pages18
JournalCurrent Eye Research
Volume40
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Jan 1 2015

Keywords

  • Brillouin microscopy
  • Intraocular pressure
  • Ocular biomechanics
  • Ophthalmic pathologies
  • Optical coherence tomography
  • Personalised medicine
  • Translational biomechanics

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Ophthalmology
  • Sensory Systems
  • Cellular and Molecular Neuroscience

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