# Optical Coherence Elastography of the Cornea

> **NIH NIH R01** · UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON · 2024 · $691,052

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY
The fundamental physical properties of the outer tunic of the eye determine the structural characteristics of the
ocular globe and may be altered in several devastating disease states, including axial elongation in myopia,
pathological deformation in keratoconus, and iatrogenic keratoectasia following corneal refractive surgery. These
biomechanical tissue characteristics not only influence our clinical interpretation of diagnostic tests, e.g.,
intraocular pressure measurement, but have been implicated as important factors in the development of
glaucoma. In our previous studies, we have developed a new method to perform quantitative measurements of
corneal elasticity in vivo in healthy and diseased eyes. Here, we will develop a next-generation method for the
assessment of corneal viscoelasticity in 3D with high resolution, no contact, and in real-time that could potentially
be used for routine clinical diagnosis and treatment. This method will take advantage of the interference of
multiple mechanical waves and ultra-sensitive detection and analysis of the interfering waves in 3D throughout
the cornea. Ultra-fast optical coherence tomography imaging and a new method for correcting for the loss in
temporal and spatial coherence will enable 3D mechanical imaging within milliseconds, which is not possible
with any existing methods. Our previous work has made fundamental advances in understanding corneal
biomechanics through a novel approach with potentially impactful applications in other disciplines (e.g., cataract
surgery, LASIK, corneal cross-linking (CXL), and tissue transplants with personalized treatments). The proposed
studies will accelerate the transition of this technology into clinics, influence our selection and application of
corneal surgical treatments, and help us understand the structural consequences of corneal disease and wound
healing.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10981816
- **Project number:** 2R01EY022362-12
- **Recipient organization:** UNIVERSITY OF HOUSTON
- **Principal Investigator:** Salavat R Aglyamov
- **Activity code:** R01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $691,052
- **Award type:** 2
- **Project period:** 2012-06-01 → 2029-05-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10981816

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10981816, Optical Coherence Elastography of the Cornea (2R01EY022362-12). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-25 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10981816. Licensed CC0.

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