Evaluation of eye tissue elasticity by means of sound propagation speed measuring in vivo

Introduction: To date, it has never been demonstrated the propagation sound speed in human corneas and lens in vivo. With the advent of Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT), it became possible to determine the dimensions of the ocular tissues without the interference of sound propagation speed and to use this information to define the real propagation sound speed for each patient and individualized structure. Aim: To determine the sound propagation speed in the cornea and lens from patients that theoretically exhibits differences in tissue elasticity (normal corneas and keratoconus, corneas of young and elderly patients, in addition to clear crystalline lens from young and elderly patients with cataract). Then, relate the determined velocity in each group with the expected tissue elasticity of the cornea and lens. Methods: We studied 100 eyes from 50 patients: 50 with keratoconus and no cataract and 50 with cataract and no corneal changes. All patients measured corneal and lens thickness by ultrasound methods (Ultrasonic Biomicroscopy - UBM and Ultrasonic Pachymetry - USP) and by OCT (RTVue®, Lenstar® and Visante®), then were divided into 2 groups: Group 1 (Cornea) analyzed the central corneal thickness (UBM, USP, RTVue®, Visante®, Lenstar®); Group 2 (Lens) analyzed the axial thickness of the lens (UBM and Lenstar®). Based on standard ultrasonic speed from USP (1640 m/s) and UBM (1548 m/s), we calculated the real sound propagation speed in each tissue. Results: Based on USP, the corneal sound speed on control group (1616 m/s) was faster than on keratoconus group (1547 m/s) (P < 0.0001). Based on UBM, the lens sound speed on cataract group (1664 m/s) was faster that on control group (1605 m/s) (P < 0.0001). Discussion: It is known that sound propagates faster in materials with lower elasticity. We found that the sound speed on keratoconic corneas (high elasticity) was slower and on cataract lens (lower elasticity) was faster than normal corneas and lens in vivo.