Ophthalmology Update - Cleveland Clinic

i n v e s t i g a t i O n s
For more information, contact
William J. Dupps, Jr., M.D.,
Ph.D., at duppsw@ccf.org.
Corneal Biomechanical Clues Studied to Optimize Results
Continued from page 15
stiffness measurements and curvature response to
intrastromal segment implantation.
“it is logical that the region of the cornea that was
found to be predictive of response directly straddles
the site of channel insertion. in other words, the
mechanical properties of the tissue closest to the
inserts seem to be most important in predicting
surgical response. these findings are very preliminary;
they are based on a small number of
non-keratoconic donor eyes and account only for
the acute biomechanical changes associated with
surgery. But continued experimentation in this vein
may provide us with predictive information
for planning surgery that we simply didn’t have
before,” dr. dupps says.
as a caveat, dr. dupps also notes that previous research
with the elastometer indicates that posterior
corneal properties may be relatively underrepresented
in the measurements it produces. Furthermore,
clinical measurement of corneal stiffness by this
technique involves additional challenges, including
a tendency toward much lower wave velocities
in the presence of a normal tear film.
“We are actively investigating technique and instrument
modifications to overcome these issues and
are fortunate to have the support of both addition
technology and priavision in this venture,” says
dr. dupps.
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