Brillouin Microscopy: An Emerging Tool for Biomechanical Analysis in Ophthalmology.

Abstract

Purpose: To summarize recent progress in the clinical and experimental applications of Brillouin microscopy in ophthalmology, highlighting its potential to advance biomechanical understanding in these contexts.

Methods: Literature review.

Results: Employing low-power lasers across visible to near-infrared wavelengths, Brillouin microscopy enables the assessment of tissue's longitudinal modulus or viscoelasticity by analyzing the Brillouin frequency shift. This technique provides valuable insights into the cornea's hydration state and anisotropic biomechanics, improving our understanding of its intrinsic characteristics. Numerous studies have demonstrated the diagnostic potential of Brillouin microscopy for corneal diseases. Experimental research has also shown significant changes in Brillouin biomechanics properties following procedures like corneal flap formation and corneal cross-linking. Additionally, Brillouin microscopy offers a novel perspective on age-related changes in both Brillouin biomechanics and morphology of crystalline lenses. Successful Brillouin measurements have been performed on other ocular tissues, including the limbus, sclera, and retina, in ex vivo studies.

Conclusions: Brillouin microscopy holds great promise as an ophthalmology tool. It offers unique insights into the biomechanical properties, disease-related alterations in ocular tissues, and intrinsic characteristics of biological specimens. The application of stimulated Brillouin microscopy, along with the integration of laser pump and machine learning techniques, can further enhance the acquisition speed and resolution of biological imaging. [J Refract Surg. 2025;41(7):e731-e746.].