Corneal Biomechanical Properties in Keratoconus.  (Roberts) Work will continue on the new hypothesis proposed for biomechanical progression in Keratoconus, in which a confined corneal region has a reduction in elastic modulus. This confined region bulges due to a specific relationship between deformation and applied force. As the bulging occurs, the cornea becomes thinner. This serves as a stress concentration and drives further deformation. We have obtained a new device for measurement of corneal biomechanical properties in vivo, called the CorVis ST, manufactured by Oculus. This device acquires a series of Scheimpflug images during a corneal deformation caused by an air puff. Data acquisition is underway, and in the coming year, we will statistically compare normal subjects to keratoconus subjects. This new theory has been reported in the following book chapter, and the theory and preliminary results have been presented at the following meetings:

“Biomechanics in Keratoconus.”  In: Barbara A (ed). Textbook of Keratoconus:  New Insights. Jaypee Brothers. In press

“Biomechanics in Ophthalmology,” Tel Aviv Medical Center Department of Ophthalmology, Tel Aviv, May 20, 2010.

“The Importance of Biomechanical Properties to the Clinician.” XVI International Course of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Cancun, Mexico, October 31, 2010. 

“In Vivo Measurement of Biomechanical Properties.”  XVI International Course of Cornea and Refractive Surgery, Cancun, Mexico, October 31, 2010.

“Corneal Biomechanics:  Implications in Cornea and Glaucoma.”  Peking University, Beijing, China, January 17, 2011.

“Corneal Biomechanics.”  Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China, Jan. 19, 2011.

“Clinical Corneal Biomechanics”  Global Leaders Lecture Series, given via video link to LV Prasad Eye Institute, Hyderabad, India, Feb. 10, 2011