Kerato Biomechanics Study (2): A Comparative Evaluation Pre And Post Corneal Collagen Cross-Linking Using Brillouin Microscopy And Dynamic Scheimpflug Imaging.
Published 2025
- 43rd Congress of the ESCRS
Reference: PP02.11
| Type: Free paper
| DOI:
10.82333/yt8f-fg10
Authors:
Feng Lin* 1
, Shengtao Liu 2
, Ruoyan Wei 2
, Xingtao Zhou 2
1Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University,Shanghai,China;New Vision Eye hospital,Shanghai,China, 2Eye & ENT Hospital, Fudan University,Shanghai,China
Purpose
This study aimed to evaluate biomechanical changes induced by epithelial-off corneal collagen cross-linking (CXL) in progressive keratoconus using Brillouin Microscopy (BOSS) and Ultra High Speed Scheimpflug Camera (Corvis ST).
Setting
Humanitas Clinical and Research Center (IRCCS) and the Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, Dresden
Methods
Twenty-three eyes from 23 patients were included in this retrospective, multicenter study. Biomechanical properties were assessed pre- and one-month post-CXL using Brillouin Optical Scanning System (BOSS) and Corvis ST. Brillouin measurements included Mean, Minimum, Maximum Brillouin Shift (BFS), and sectors (Inferior, equator, superior). Corvis ST assessed dynamic corneal response (DCR) parameters, including Inverse Concave Radius (1/R) and Stress Strain Index (SSI). Statistical analyses included Wilcoxon tests, Pearson Correlation and linear mixed models, with adjustments for corneal pachymetry.
Results
Brillouin Microscopy demonstrated significant post-CXL stiffening, with increases in Mean BFS and Max BFS, together with inferior and equatorial regions (p < 0.001). A strong correlation was observed between preoperative BFS and postoperative changes (R² = 0.597, p < 0.001). Corvis ST confirmed biomechanical stiffening with a significant decrease in 1/R values (p = 0.002), though no significant changes were observed in SSI.
Conclusions
Both Brillouin Microscopy and Corvis ST effectively detected corneal stiffening after CXL, with Brillouin technology offering localized biomechanical insights. These findings highlight the potential of Brillouin Microscopy for guiding customized CXL treatments and underscore its complementary role alongside Corvis ST.