Corneal biomechanics and diagnostics: a review.

Purpose Corneal biomechanics is an emerging feld and the interest into physical and biological interrelations in the anterior part of the eye has signifcantly increased during the past years. There are many factors that determine corneal biomechanics such as hormonal fuctuations, hydration and environmental factors. Other factors that can afect the corneas are the age, the intraocular pressure and the central corneal thickness. The purpose of this review is to evaluate the factors afecting corneal biomechanics and the recent advancements in non-destructive, in vivo measurement techniques for early detection and improved management of corneal diseases. Methods Until recently, corneal biomechanics could not be directly assessed in humans and were instead inferred from geometrical cornea analysis and ex vivo biomechanical testing. The current research has made strides in studying and creating non-destructive and contactless techniques to measure the biomechanical properties of the cornea in vivo. Results Research has indicated that altered corneal biomechanics contribute to diseases such as keratoconus and glaucoma. The identifcation of pathological corneas through the new measurement techniques is imperative for preventing postoperative complications. Conclusions Identifcation of pathological corneas is crucial for the prevention of postoperative complications. Therefore, a better understanding of corneal biomechanics will lead to earlier diagnosis of ectatic disorders, improve current refractive surgeries and allow for a better postoperative treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]