Dr. ASHOK GARG

Abstract

*Purpose of this study was to quantify the effects of the hydration state on the cornea with non contact OCE .

*Non contact OCE measurements were taken in 12 corneas in whole eye globe configuration & an artificially controlled intraocular pressure of 15mmHg.

*Baseline OCE measurements were taken by topically hydrating the corneas with saline.The corneas were then dehydrated topically with a 20% dextran solution & the OCE measurements were repeated.

*A finite element method was used to quantify the cornea based on the OCE measurements.

* The thickness of the corneas shrank significantly after topical addition of 20% dextran solution & the OCE measured elastic wave speed also decreased.

*The finite element method showed an increase in young’s modulus resulting from dehydration & subsequent thinning

*Young’s modulus increased significantly as the corneas dehydrated & thinned showing that corneal geometry & hydration state are critical factors for accurately quantifying corneal properties