June 2017 Vol. 5 No.6

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Review

In Vivo Measurements of Corneal Biomechanics and their Relevance in Keratoconus - A Review

Miruna Gabriela Burcel^1*, Catalina Gabriela Corbu^1,2,3, Mihaela Monica Constantin³, Valeria Coviltir^1,2, Marian Burcea¹, Vasile Potop^1,2,3, Dana Margareta Cornelia Dascalescu³, Ioana Catalina Ionescu¹, Radu Ciuluvica⁵ and Liliana-Mary Voinea^2,4

¹Clinical Hospital of Ophthalmologic Emergencies (S.C.U.O), Piața Alexandru Lahovari 1, Bucharest, Romania
²Division of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bulevardul Eroii Sanitari 8,050474, Bucharest, Romania
³Oftaclinic Clinic, Bd. Marasesti 2B, Bucharest, Romania
⁴Department of Ophthalmology, University Emergency Hospital, Splaiul Independenței 169,050098 Bucharest, Romania
⁵Faculty of Dental Medicine, “Carol Davila” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Bulevardul Eroii Sanitari 8,050474, Bucharest, Romania

*Corresponding Author’s E-mail: cristea.miruna@yahoo.com
Tel.: +40767571423

Accepted June 15, 2017

Abstract

Keratoconus is a progressive haracte disorder in which corneal deformation is associated with stromal thinning and biomechanical weakening. In recent years, there has been significant scientific interest in corneal biomechanical properties for a better understanding of physiology and physiopathology in order to provide a proper diagnosis and treatment of the disease. This review aims to explain different methods for the characterization of corneal biomechanics in keratoconus, both in the laboratory and clinical setting. Until now, many studies describing the measurement of corneal biomechanical properties using Ocular Response Analyzer (ORA) and Corneal Visualization Scheimpflug Technology (CorVis ST) devices have been performed and published. However, there has been an increasing development of new methods which allow a better understanding of the differences of corneal properties between some ocular pathologies and healthy corneas. Also, this review discusses the advantages and limitations using these instruments and techniques in the early detection of keratoconus. Further research is necessary in order to consolidate their diagnostic capabilities.

Keywords: Biomechanichal properties, Corneal resistance factor, CorVis ST, Hysteresis, Keratoconus, ORA