Optical and biometric relationships of the isolated pig crystalline lens

Viscoelastic properties of porcine lenses using optical coherence elastography and inverse finite element analysis

The mechanical properties of the crystalline lens are crucial in determining the changes in lens shape that occur during the accommodation process and are also a major factor in the development of the two most prevalent age-related diseases of the lens, presbyopia and cataracts. However, a comprehensive understanding of these properties is currently lacking. Previous methods for characterizing the mechanical properties of the lens have been limited by the amount of data that could be collected during each test and the lack of complex material modeling. These limitations were mainly caused by the lack of imaging techniques that can provide data for the entire crystalline lens and the need for more complex models to describe the non-linear behavior of the lens. To address these issues, we characterized the mechanical properties of 13 porcine lenses during an ex vivo micro-controlled-displacement compression experiment using optical coherence elastography (OCE) and inverse finite element analysis (iFEA). OCE allowed us to quantify the internal strain distribution of the lens and differentiate between the different parts of the lens, while iFEA enabled us to implement an advanced material model to characterize the viscoelasticity of the lens nucleus and the relative stiffness gradient in the lens. Our findings revealed a pronounced and rapid viscoelastic behavior in the lens nucleus (g₁ = 0.39 ± 0.13, τ₁ = 5.01 ± 2.31 s) and identified the lens nucleus as the stiffest region, with a stiffness 4.42 ± 1.20 times greater than the anterior cortex and 3.47 ± 0.82 times greater than the posterior cortex. However, due to the complex nature of lens properties, it may be necessary to employ multiple tests simultaneously for a more comprehensive understanding of the crystalline lens.

The lens capsule significantly affects the viscoelastic properties of the lens as quantified by optical coherence elastography

The crystalline lens is a transparent, biconvex structure that has its curvature and refractive power modulated to focus light onto the retina. This intrinsic morphological adjustment of the lens to fulfill changing visual demands is achieved by the coordinated interaction between the lens and its suspension system, which includes the lens capsule. Thus, characterizing the influence of the lens capsule on the whole lens’s biomechanical properties is important for understanding the physiological process of accommodation and early diagnosis and treatment of lenticular diseases. In this study, we assessed the viscoelastic properties of the lens using phase-sensitive optical coherence elastography (PhS-OCE) coupled with acoustic radiation force (ARF) excitation. The elastic wave propagation induced by ARF excitation, which was focused on the surface of the lens, was tracked with phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography. Experiments were conducted on eight freshly excised porcine lenses before and after the capsular bag was dissected away. Results showed that the group velocity of the surface elastic wave, V, in the lens with the capsule intact (V=2.55±0.23 m/s) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) than after the capsule was removed (V=1.19±0.25 m/s). Similarly, the viscoelastic assessment using a model that utilizes the dispersion of a surface wave showed that both Young’s modulus, E, and shear viscosity coefficient, η, of the encapsulated lens (E=8.14±1.10 kPa,η=0.89±0.093 Pa∙s) were significantly higher than that of the decapsulated lens (E=3.10±0.43 kPa,η=0.28±0.021 Pa∙s). These findings, together with the geometrical change upon removal of the capsule, indicate that the capsule plays a critical role in determining the viscoelastic properties of the crystalline lens.

In situ assessment of lens elasticity with noncontact optical coherence elastography

Lens biomechanics has great potential for application in clinical diagnostics and treatment monitoring of presbyopia and cataracts. However, current approaches to lens elastography do not meet the desired safety or sensitivity for clinical application. In this regard, we propose a noncontact optical coherence elastography (OCE) method to facilitate quantitative in situ imaging of lens elasticity. Elastic waves induced by air-pulse stimulation on the limbus propagate to the lens and are then imaged using custom-built swept-source optical coherence tomography to obtain the elastic wave velocity and Young's modulus. The proposed OCE method was first validated by comparing the results of in situ and in vitro measurements of porcine lenses. The results demonstrate that the Young's modulus measured in situ was highly consistent with that measured in vitro and had an intraclass correlation coefficient of 0.988. We further investigated the elastic changes induced by cold storage and microwave heating. During 36-hour cold storage, the mean Young's modulus gradually increased (from 5.62 ± 1.24 kPa to 11.40 ± 2.68 kPa, P < 0.0001, n = 9) along with the formation of nuclear opacities. 15-second microwave heating caused a greater increase in the mean Young's modulus (from 6.86 ± 1.21 kPa to 25.96 ± 8.64 kPa, P < 0.0025, n = 6) without apparent cataract formation. Accordingly, this study reports the first air-pulse OCE measurements of in situ lenses, which quantified the loss of lens elasticity during simulated cataract development with good repeatability and sensitivity, thus enhancing the potential for adoption of lens biomechanics in the clinic.

Advanced Retinal Imaging and Ocular Parameters of the Rhesus Macaque Eye

Purpose

To determine the range of normal ocular biometry and perform advanced retinal imaging and functional assessment of the rhesus macaque eye.

Methods

We performed ocular phenotyping on rhesus macaques at the California National Primate Research Center. This process consisted of anterior and posterior segment eye examination by ophthalmologists, advanced retinal imaging, and functional retinal electrophysiology.

Results

Full eye examinations were performed on 142 animals, consisting of pupillary light reflex, tonometry, external examination and photography, anterior slit lamp examination, and posterior segment examination by indirect ophthalmoscopy. Ages of the rhesus macaques ranged from 0.7 to 29 years (mean, 16.4 ± 7.5 years). Anterior segment measurements such as intraocular pressure (n = 142), corneal thickness (n = 84), lens thickness (n = 114), and axial length (n = 114) were acquired. Advanced retinal imaging in the form of fundus photography (n = 78), optical coherence tomography (n = 60), and quantitative autofluorescence (n = 44) was obtained. Electroretinography (n = 75) was used to assay retinal function. Quantitative analyses of the macular structure, retinal layer segmentation, and rod and cone photoreceptor electrical responses are reported. Quantitative assessments were made and variations between sexes were analyzed to compare with established sex changes in human eyes.

Conclusions

The rhesus macaque has an ocular structure and function very similar to that of the human eye. In particular macular structure and retinal function is very similar to humans, making this species particularly useful for the study of macular biology and development of therapies for cone photoreceptor disorders.

Translational Relevance

Rhesus macaques are an ideal model for future vision science studies of human eye diseases.

Single function crystalline lens capable of mimicking ciliary body accommodation

The lens is a complex optical component of the human eye because of its physiological structure: the surface is aspherical and the structural entities create a gradient refractive index (GRIN). Most existent models of the lens deal with its external shape independently of the refractive index and, subsequently, through optimization processes, adjust the imaging properties. In this paper, we propose a physiologically realistic GRIN model of the lens based on a single function for the whole lens that accurately describes different accommodative states simultaneously providing the corresponding refractive index distribution and the external shape of the lens by changing a single parameter that we associate with the function of the ciliary body. This simple, but highly accurate model, is incorporated into a schematic eye constructed with reported experimental biometric data and accommodation is simulated over a range of 0 to 6 diopters to select the optimum levels of image quality. Changes with accommodation in equatorial and total axial lens thicknesses, as well as aberrations, are found to lie within reported biometric data ranges.

Multimodal quantitative optical elastography of the crystalline lens with optical coherence elastography and Brillouin microscopy

Assessing the biomechanical properties of the crystalline lens can provide crucial information for diagnosing disease and guiding precision therapeutic interventions. Existing noninvasive methods have been limited to global measurements. Here, we demonstrate the quantitative assessment of the elasticity of crystalline lens with a multimodal optical elastography technique, which combines dynamic wave-based optical coherence elastography (OCE) and Brillouin microscopy to overcome the drawbacks of individual modalities. OCE can provide direct measurements of tissue elasticity rapidly and quantitatively, but it is a challenge to image transparent samples such as the lens because this technique relies on backscattered light. On the other hand, Brillouin microscopy can map the longitudinal modulus with micro-scale resolution in transparent samples. However, the relationship between Brillouin-deduced modulus and Young's modulus is not straightforward and sample dependent. By combining these two techniques, we can calibrate Brillouin measurements with OCE, based on the same sample, allowing us to completely map the Young's modulus of the crystalline lens. The combined system was first validated with tissue-mimicking gelatin phantoms of varying elasticities (N = 9). The OCE data was used to calibrate the Brillouin shift measurements and subsequently map the Young's modulus of the phantoms. After validation, OCE and Brillouin measurements were performed on ex-vivo porcine lenses (N = 6), and the Young's modulus of the lenses was spatially mapped. The results show a strong correlation between Young's moduli measured by OCE and longitudinal moduli measured by Brillouin microscopy. The correlation coefficient R was 0.98 for the phantoms and 0.94 for the lenses, respectively. The mean Young's modulus of the anterior and posterior lens was 1.98 ± 0.74 kPa and 2.93 ± 1.13 kPa, respectively, and the Young's modulus of the lens nucleus was 11.90 ± 2.94 kPa. The results presented in this manuscript open a new way for truly quantitative biomechanical mapping of optically transparent (or low scattering) tissues in 3D.

Determination of optical parameters of the porcine eye and development of a simulated model

The eye is a very sophisticated system of optical elements for the preeminent sense of vision. In recent years, the number of laser surgery to correct the optical aberration such as myopia or astigmatism has significantly increased. Consequently, improving the knowledge related to the interactions of light with the eye is very important in order to enhance the efficiency of the surgery. For this reason, a complete optical characterization of the porcine eye is presented in this study. Kubelka-Munk and Inverse Adding-Doubling methods were applied to spectroscopy measurement to determine the absorption and scattering coefficients. Furthermore, the refractive index has been measured by ellipsometry. The different parameters were obtained for the cornea, lens, vitreous humor, sclera, iris, choroids and eyelid in the visible and infrared region. Thereafter, the results are implemented in a COMSOL Multiphysics® software to create an eye model. This model gives a better understanding of the propagation of light in the eye by adding optical parts such as the iris, the sclera or the ciliary bodies. Two simulations show the propagation of light from the cornea to the retina but also from the sclera to the retina. This last possibility provides a better understanding of light propagation during eye laser surgery such as, for example, transscleral cyclophotocoagulation. Figure: Eye simulation models allow the development of new laser treatments in a simple and safe way for patients. To this purpose, the creation of an eye simulated model based on optical parameters obtained from experimental data is presented in this study. This model will facilitate the understanding of the light propagation inside the porcine eye.

Simultaneously imaging and quantifying in vivo mechanical properties of crystalline lens and cornea using optical coherence elastography with acoustic radiation force excitation

The crystalline lens and cornea comprise the eye's optical system for focusing light in human vision. The changes in biomechanical properties of the lens and cornea are closely associated with common diseases, including presbyopia and cataract. Currently, most in vivo elasticity studies of the anterior eye focus on the measurement of the cornea, while lens measurement remains challenging. To better understand the anterior segment of the eye, we developed an optical coherence elastography system utilizing acoustic radiation force excitation to simultaneously assess the elasticities of the crystalline lens and the cornea in vivo. A swept light source was integrated into the system to provide an enhanced imaging range that covers both the lens and the cornea. Additionally, the oblique imaging approach combined with orthogonal excitation also improved the image quality. The system was tested through first ex vivo and then in vivo experiments using a rabbit model. The elasticities of corneal and lens tissue in an excised normal whole-globe and a cold cataract model were measured to reveal that cataractous lenses have a higher Young's modulus. Simultaneous in vivo elasticity measurements of the lens and cornea were performed in a rabbit model to demonstrate the correlations between elasticity and intraocular pressure and between elasticity and age. To the best of our knowledge, we demonstrated the first in vivo elasticity of imaging of both the lens and cornea using acoustic radiation force-optical coherence elastography, thereby providing a potential powerful clinical tool to advance ophthalmic research in disorders affecting the lens and the cornea.

Distribution of Small Molecular Weight Drugs into the Porcine Lens: Studies on Imaging Mass Spectrometry, Partition Coefficients, and Implications in Ocular Pharmacokinetics

Lens is the avascular tissue in the eye between the aqueous humor and vitreous. Drug binding to the lens might affect ocular pharmacokinetics, and the binding may also have a pharmacological role in drug-induced cataract and cataract treatment. Drug distribution in the lens has been studied in vitro with many compounds; however, the experimental methods vary, no detailed information on distribution between the lens sublayers exist, and the partition coefficients are reported rarely. Therefore, our objectives were to clarify drug localization in the lens layers and establish partition coefficients for a wide range of molecules. Furthermore, we aimed to illustrate the effect of lenticular drug binding on overall ocular drug pharmacokinetics. We studied the distribution of 16 drugs and three fluorescent dyes in whole porcine lenses in vitro with imaging mass spectrometry and fluorescence microscopy techniques. Furthermore, we determined lens/buffer partition coefficients with the same experimental setup for 28 drugs with mass spectrometry. Finally, the effect of lenticular binding of drugs on aqueous humor drug exposure was explored with pharmacokinetic simulations. After 4 h, the drugs and the dyes distributed only to the outermost lens layers (capsule and cortex). The lens/buffer partition coefficients for the drugs were low, ranging from 0.05 to 0.8. On the basis of the pharmacokinetic simulations, a high lens-aqueous humor partition coefficient increases drug exposure in the lens but does not significantly alter the pharmacokinetics in the aqueous humor. To conclude, the lens seems to act mainly as a physical barrier for drug distribution in the eye, and drug binding to the lens affects mainly the drug pharmacokinetics in the lens.

Optical coherence elastography of cold cataract in porcine lens

Cataract is one of the most prevalent causes of blindness around the world. Understanding the mechanisms of cataract development and progression is important for clinical diagnosis and treatment. Cold cataract has proven to be a robust model for cataract formation that can be easily controlled in the laboratory. There is evidence that the biomechanical properties of the lens can be significantly changed by cataract. Therefore, early detection of cataract, as well as evaluation of therapies, could be guided by characterization of lenticular biomechanical properties. In this work, we utilized optical coherence elastography (OCE) to monitor the changes in biomechanical properties of ex vivo porcine lenses during formation of cold cataract. Elastic waves were induced in the porcine lenses by a focused micro air-pulse while the lenses were cooled, and the elastic wave velocity was translated to Young's modulus of the lens. The results show an increase in the stiffness of the lens due to formation of the cold cataract (from 11.3  ±  3.4 to 21.8  ±  7.8  kPa). These results show a relation between lens opacity and stiffness and demonstrate that OCE can assess lenticular biomechanical properties and may be useful for detecting and potentially characterizing cataracts.

Assessing the biomechanical properties of the porcine crystalline lens as a function of intraocular pressure with optical coherence elastography

In this study, we investigated the relationship between the biomechanical properties of the crystalline lens and intraocular pressure (IOP) using a confocal acoustic radiation force (ARF) and phase-sensitive optical coherence elastography (OCE) system. ARF induced a small displacement at the apex of porcine lenses in situ at various artificially controlled IOPs. Maximum displacement, relaxation rate, and Young's modulus were utilized to assess the stiffness of the crystalline lens. The results showed that the stiffness of the crystalline increased as IOP increased, but the lens stiffening was not as significant as the stiffening of other ocular tissues such as the cornea and the sclera. A mechanical hysteresis in the lens was also observed while cycling IOP, indicating that the viscoelastic response of the lens is crucial to fully understanding its biomechanical properties.

Species Differences in the Geometry of the Anterior Segment Differentially Affect Anterior Chamber Cell Scoring Systems in Laboratory Animals

PURPOSE

To determine the impact of anterior segment geometry on ocular scoring systems quantifying anterior chamber (AC) cells in humans and 7 common laboratory species.

METHODS

Using normative anterior segment dimensions and novel geometric formulae, ocular section volumes measured by 3 scoring systems; Standardization of Uveitis Nomenclature (SUN), Ocular Services On Demand (OSOD), and OSOD-modified SUN were calculated for each species, respectively. Calculated volumes were applied to each system's AC cell scoring scheme to determine comparative cell density (cells/mm(3)). Cell density values for all laboratory species were normalized to human values and conversion factors derived to create modified scoring schemes, facilitating interspecies comparison with each system, respectively.

RESULTS

Differences in anterior segment geometry resulted in marked differences in optical section volume measured. Volumes were smaller in rodents than dogs and cats, but represented a comparatively larger percentage of AC volume. AC cell density (cells/mm(3)) varied between species. Using the SUN and OSOD-modified SUN systems, values in the pig, dog, and cat underestimated human values; values in rodents overestimated human values. Modified normalized scoring systems presented here account for species-related anterior segment geometry and facilitate both intra- and interspecies analysis, as well as translational comparison.

CONCLUSIONS

Employment of modified AC cell scoring systems that account for species-specific differences in anterior segment anatomy would harmonize findings across species and may be more predictive for determining ocular toxicological consequences in ocular drug and device development programs.

Spectral transmission of the pig lens: effect of ultraviolet A+B radiation

OBJECTIVE

To determine the spectral transmission curve of the crystalline lens of the pig. To analyse how this curve changes when the crystalline lens is irradiated with ultraviolet A+B radiation similar to that of the sun. To compare these results with literature data from the human crystalline lens.

PROCEDURES

We used crystalline lenses of the common pig from a slaughterhouse, i.e. genetically similar pigs, fed with the same diet, and slaughtered at six months old. Spectral transmission was measured with a Perkin-Elmer Lambda 35 UV/VIS spectrometer. The lenses were irradiated using an Asahi Spectra Lax-C100 ultraviolet source, which made it possible to select the spectral emission band as well as the intensity and exposure time.

RESULTS

The pig lens transmits all the visible spectrum (95%) and lets part of the ultraviolet A through (15%). Exposure to acute UV (A+B) irradiation causes a decrease in its transmission as the intensity or exposure time increases: this decrease is considerable in the UV region.

CONCLUSIONS

We were able to determine the mean spectral transmission curve of the pig lens. It appears to be similar to that of the human lens in the visible spectrum, but different in the ultraviolet. Pig lens transmission is reduced by UV (A+B) irradiation and its transmission in the UV region can even disappear as the intensity or exposure time increases. An adequate exposure intensity and time of UV (A+B) radiation always causes an anterior subcapsular cataract (ASC).

Correlation between cataract grading by Scheimpflug imaging and phaco time in phacoemulsification using peristaltic and venturi pumps

PURPOSE

To study the correlation among cataract grading system by Scheimpflug imaging (Oculus Pentacam® Nucleus Grading System [PNS]), effective phaco time (EPT), and surgical time (ST) using peristaltic and venturi pumps on the Whitestar Signature Phaco System (Abbott Medical Optics, Inc., Santa Ana, California, USA). 


METHODS

Patients scheduled to have bimanual microincision phacoemulsification by the same surgeon (T.F.) had Pentacam® Scheimpflug assessment using PNS and were randomly distributed into 
2 groups. In group 1, surgery was performed using peristaltic pump, and in group 2, using venturi pump. Parameters assessed in both groups included EPT and ST. 


RESULTS

Sixty eyes that had uneventful clear cornea phacoemulsification with implantation of foldable intraocular lens (IOL) were evaluated, 30 in each group. The EPT was statistically superior with higher nuclear density grades for both groups 1 and 2 (group 1 Spearman R = 0.739, p<0.001; group 2 Spearman R = 0.924, p<0.001). The ST statistically increased with nucleus density for both groups 1 and 2 (group 
1 Spearman R = 0.620, p<0.001; group 2 Spearman R = 0.643, p<0.001). Group 2 presented statistically significant reduction on median ST compared with group 1 for nucleus grading 2, 3, 4, and 5.

CONCLUSIONS

The PNS is an objective and reproducible method of grading nuclear cataract density and had a correlation with EPT. Peristaltic and venturi pumps in Signature Phaco System were similar in EPT but venturi pump reduced the median ST in nucleus with higher PNS, without repercussion on complications or anterior chamber stability.

Contribution of the gradient refractive index and shape to the crystalline lens spherical aberration and astigmatism

The optical properties of the crystalline lens are determined by its shape and refractive index distribution. However, to date, those properties have not been measured together in the same lens, and therefore their relative contributions to optical aberrations are not fully understood. The shape, the optical path difference, and the focal length of ten porcine lenses (age around 6 months) were measured in vitro using Optical Coherence Tomography and laser ray tracing. The 3D Gradient Refractive Index distribution (GRIN) was reconstructed by means of an optimization method based on genetic algorithms. The optimization method searched for the parameters of a 4-variable GRIN model that best fits the distorted posterior surface of the lens in 18 different meridians. Spherical aberration and astigmatism of the lenses were estimated using computational ray tracing, with the reconstructed GRIN lens and an equivalent homogeneous refractive index. For all lenses the posterior radius of curvature was systematically steeper than the anterior one, and the conic constant of both the anterior and posterior positive surfaces was positive. In average, the measured focal length increased with increasing pupil diameter, consistent with a crystalline lens negative spherical aberration. The refractive index of nucleus and surface was reconstructed to an average value of 1.427 and 1.364, respectively, for 633 nm. The results of the GRIN reconstruction showed a wide distribution of the index in all lens samples. The GRIN shifted spherical aberration towards negative values when compared to a homogeneous index. A negative spherical aberration with GRIN was found in 8 of the 10 lenses. The presence of GRIN also produced a decrease in the total amount of lens astigmatism in most lenses, while the axis of astigmatism was only little influenced by the presence of GRIN. To our knowledge, this study is the first systematic experimental study of the relative contribution of geometry and GRIN to the aberrations in a mammal lens.

Pig lenses in a lens stretcher: implications for presbyopia treatment

PURPOSE

To investigate porcine lenses in a lens stretcher with regard to presbyopia corrective procedures.

METHODS

A lens stretching device was designed, which allows to simultaneously determine all relevant geometrical and optical parameters at each stretch position. The setup was used to compare the optical and geometrical lens properties of young slaughter pigs (n = 5) with older sows (n = 7).

RESULTS

The change of optical power with stretching is about five times larger for young porcine lenses than for sows. For young pigs, the gradient index profile of the crystalline lens significantly contributes to the induced accommodation amplitude.

CONCLUSIONS

We have shown that sow lenses are a suitable model for in vitro experiments on possible treatments for presbyopia. The rapid decrease in the induced accommodation amplitude with age may be explained by a reduced change of all geometrical lens parameters, which in turn leads to a smaller contribution of the gradient index profile to accommodation.

Manipulation of intraocular pressure for studying the effects on accommodation

A reliable experimental system in which IOP can be manipulated or a rapid IOP change can be induced while simultaneously and continuously measuring IOP and the ocular accommodative changes would be useful for understanding the physiological effect of intraocular pressure (IOP) on the accommodative mechanism. In this study, an IOP perfusion and recording system was developed and tested using 13 enucleated pig eyes. The vitreous chamber of the pig eyes was cannulated with a needle connected to two fluid reservoirs at different heights. One reservoir was set to achieve one of three baseline pressures of 5.5 mmHg, 13.0 mmHg and 20.5 mmHg. The other reservoir was moved to achieve pressures of 1.5 mmHg, 3.0 mmHg, 4.5 mmHg and 6.0 mmHg higher than the baseline pressure. The height differential between the reservoirs determined the amplitude of IOP changes. Rapid IOP changes were induced by switching the reservoirs with a solenoid pinch-valve. Two needles, one each attached to a pressure transducer were inserted into the anterior chamber and vitreous chamber respectively. Custom developed software was used to measure the anterior chamber pressure and vitreous chamber pressure at 80 Hz. A high-resolution continuous A-scan ultrasound biometer (CUB) was used to dynamically measure changes in ocular biometry including anterior chamber depth (ACD), lens thickness (LT) and vitreous chamber depth (VCD) while the vitreous chamber pressure was manipulated. The changes in ACD, LT and VCD were analyzed as a function of the pressure change. Perfusion-induced axial biometric changes were quantified by the slopes of linear regression relationships. Both anterior chamber pressure and vitreous chamber pressure changed relatively systematically with the induced vitreous chamber pressure changes (anterior chamber: y = 0.863x + 0.030, r(2) = 0.983; vitreous chamber: y = 0.883x + 0.009, r(2) = 0.981). At perfusion pressures of 5.5, 13.0 and 20.5 mmHg, the slopes for ACD were -5.72, -2.75 and -2.36 μm/mmHg, for LT were -3.31, -1.59 and -1.03 μm/mmHg and for VCD were 19.05, 8.63 and 5.18 μm/mmHg. The system was able to manipulate and monitor IOP while axial biometry changes were recorded. This system will allow the relationship between IOP and accommodation to be studied in non-human primate eyes.

Ex vivo measurement of postmortem tissue changes in the crystalline lens by Brillouin spectroscopy and confocal reflectance microscopy

Use of Brillouin spectroscopy in ophthalmology enables noninvasive, spatially resolved determination of the rheological properties of crystalline lens tissue. Furthermore, the Brillouin shift correlates with the protein concentration inside the lens. In vitro measurements on extracted porcine lenses demonstrate that results obtained with Brillouin spectroscopy depend strongly on time after death. The intensity of the Brillouin signal decreases significantly as early as 5 h postmortem. Moreover, the fluctuation of the Brillouin frequency shift inside the lens increases with postmortem time. Images of lens tissue taken with a confocal reflectance microscope between measurements reveal a degenerative aging process. These tissue changes correlate with our results from Brillouin spectroscopy. It is concluded that only in vivo measurements appropriately reflect the rheological properties of the eye lens and its protein concentration.

Topical and intravenous pilocarpine stimulated accommodation in anesthetized rhesus monkeys

Many studies have used pilocarpine to stimulate accommodation in both humans and monkeys. However, the concentrations of pilocarpine used and the methods of administration vary. In this study, three different methods of pilocarpine administration are evaluated for their effectiveness in stimulating accommodation in rhesus monkeys. Experiments were performed in 17 iridectomized, anesthetized rhesus monkeys aged 4-16 years. Maximum accommodation was stimulated in all these monkeys with a 2% pilocarpine solution maintained on the cornea for at least 30 min in a specially designed perfusion lens. In subsequent topical pilocarpine experiments, baseline refraction was measured with a Hartinger coincidence refractometer and then while the monkeys were upright and facing forward, commercially available pilocarpine (2, 4, or 6%) was applied topically to the cornea as 2 or 4 drops in two applications or 6 drops in three applications over a five minute period with the eyelids closed between applications. Alternatively, while supine, 10-12 drops of pilocarpine were maintained on the cornea in a scleral cup for 5 min. Refraction measurements were begun 5 min after the second application of pilocarpine and continued for at least 30 min after initial administration until no further change in refraction occurred. In intravenous experiments, pilocarpine was given either as boluses ranging from 0.1mg/kg to 2mg/kg or boluses followed by a constant infusion at rates between 3.06 mg/kg/h and 11.6 mg/kg/h. Constant 2% pilocarpine solution on the eye in the perfusion lens produced 10.88+/-2.73 D (mean+/-SD) of accommodation. Topically applied pilocarpine produced 3.81 D+/-2.41, 5.49 D+/-4.08, and 5.55 D+/-3.27 using 2%, 4%, and 6% solutions respectively. When expressed as a percentage of the accommodative response amplitude obtained in the same monkey with constant 2% pilocarpine solution on the eye, the responses were 34.7% for 2% pilocarpine, 48.4% for 4% pilocarpine, and 44.6% for 6% pilocarpine. Topical 4% and 6% pilocarpine achieved similar, variable accommodative responses, but neither achieved maximum accommodation. IV boluses of pilocarpine achieved near maximal levels of accommodation at least ten times faster than topical methods. Doses effective for producing maximum accommodation ranged from 0.25mg/kg to 1.0mg/kg. IV pilocarpine boluses caused an anterior movement of the anterior lens surface, a posterior movement of the posterior lens surface, and a slight net anterior movement of the entire lens. Considerable variability in response amplitude occurred and maximum accommodative amplitude was rarely achieved with topical application of a variety of concentrations of commercially available pilocarpine. Intravenous infusion of pilocarpine was a rapid and reliable method of producing a nearly maximal accommodative response and maintaining accommodation when desired.

Comparison of the behavior of natural and refilled porcine lenses in a robotic lens stretcher

The mechanism by which the eye dynamically changes focal distance (accommodation), and the mechanism by which this ability is lost with age (presbyopia), are still contested. Due to inherent confounding factors in vivo, in vitro measurements have been undertaken using a robotic lens stretcher to examine these mechanisms as well as the efficacy of lens refilling - a proposed treatment for presbyopia. Dynamic forces, anterior and posterior curvatures, and lens thickness are all correlated for young natural and refilled porcine lenses. Comparisons are made to lenses refilled with a homogeneous polymer system. The amplitude of accommodation of the young porcine lens is very small such that it may be a suitable model for presbyopia. The behavior of refilled lenses was highly dependent on the refill volume. The volume could be tuned to maximize accommodative amplitude in the refilled lens.

Mapping age-related elasticity changes in porcine lenses using bubble-based acoustic radiation force

Bubble-based acoustic radiation force aims to measure highly localized tissue viscoelastic properties. In the current investigation, acoustic radiation force was applied to laser-induced bubbles to measure age-related changes in the spatial distribution of elastic properties within in vitro porcine lenses. A potential in vivo technique to map lens elasticity is crucial to understanding the onset of presbyopia and develop new treatment options. Bubble-based acoustic radiation force was investigated as a technique to measure the spatial elasticity distribution of the lens in its natural state without disrupting the lens capsule. Laser-induced optical breakdown (LIOB) generated microbubbles in a straight line across the equatorial plane of explanted porcine lenses with 1mm lateral spacing. Optical breakdown occurs when sufficiently high threshold fluence is attained at the focus of femtosecond pulsed lasers, inducing plasma formation and bubble generation. A two-element confocal ultrasonic transducer applied 6.5 ms acoustic radiation force-chirp bursts with the 1.5 MHz outer element while monitoring bubble position within the lens using pulse-echoes with the 7.44 MHz inner element. A cross-correlation method was used to measure bubble displacements and determine exponential time constants of the temporal responses. Maximum bubble displacements are inversely proportional to the local Young's modulus, while time constants are indicative of viscoelastic properties. The apparent spatial elasticity distributions in 41 porcine lenses, ranging from 4 months to 5 years in age, were measured using bubble-based acoustic radiation force. Bubble displacements decrease closer to the porcine lens center, suggesting that the nucleus is stiffer than the cortex. Bubble displacements decrease with increasing lens age, suggesting that porcine lenses become stiffer with age. Bubble-based acoustic radiation force may be well-suited as a potential in vivo technique to spatially map elastic properties of the lens and guide therapeutic procedures aimed at restoring accommodation.

Spectral attenuation of the mouse, rat, pig and human lenses from wavelengths 360 nm to 1020 nm

The transmission spectrum of the lens is essential to calculate irradiance at the surface of the retina. Although the mouse is a common model for ophthalmic research, there is little information on the transmission of the mouse lens. Attenuation by the lens is partly dependent on lens thickness; however, the attenuation coefficient is independent of lens thickness. In this study, we measured the attenuation coefficients of the albino and pigmented mouse lens as well as those of the rat, pig, and human lenses, and provide a composite equation that describes the attenuation coefficients in the ultraviolet and visible bandwidths (360-700 nm). In the near infrared region (700-1020 nm), water absorption must be included to explain the measurements.

Biocompatibility of poloxamer hydrogel as an injectable intraocular lens: a pilot study

PURPOSE

To induce irreversible gelation of poloxamer, a thermosensitive polymer hydrogel, by using a photoinitiator and ultraviolet (UV) irradiation and to verify the biocompatibility and use of poloxamer as an injectable intraocular lens (IOL) material.

SETTING

Department of Ophthalmology, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul Artificial Eye Center, Clinical Research Institute, Seoul National University Hospital, Seoul, Korea.

METHODS

In 10 rabbits, endocapsular phacoemulsification was performed and a poloxamer-photoinitiator mixture was injected into the capsular bag through a small capsulorhexis site. In 1 eye, the capsulorhexis site was closed with a small plug and the entire eye was irradiated with UV light for 5 minutes. Postoperatively, poloxamer transparency and effect on the conjunctiva, cornea, iris, vitreous, and retina were observed.

RESULTS

A mixture comprising 25% poloxamer and 0.01% photoinitiator produced a poloxamer that remained transparent in the lens capsule for up to 6 months. No inflammatory response or toxicity was observed in the conjunctiva, cornea, iris, vitreous, or retina.

CONCLUSION

Poloxamer is a potentially suitable material for an injectable IOL. Further study is needed.

Refractive index distribution and optical properties of the isolated human lens measured using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Using a non-invasive MRI technique for measuring the refractive index distribution through the crystalline lens, refractive index maps were obtained through 20 intact isolated human lenses (7-82years). Focal length measurements, obtained by simulated light ray propagation through each index map were found to be in agreement with direct measurements performed on a scanning laser apparatus. With increasing age, the refractive index profiles became flatter in the central region, accompanied by steepening of the profile in the periphery. This appears to be an important mechanism underlying the observed changes in power and longitudinal aberration of the human lens.

Relation between injected volume and optical parameters in refilled isolated porcine lenses

PURPOSE

This study was performed to elucidate the correlation between added lens refill material and enhanced lens power as well as the correlation between lens refilling volume and accommodative amplitude as determined by equatorial stretching of ex vivo refilled pigs' lenses.

METHODS

Nine porcine lenses were refilled with increasing amounts of silicone oil. After each refill step, the lens power, the lens power change, and the lens thickness were measured both in the relaxed state and with a 3-mm larger ciliary body diameter. In addition, the spherical aberration of the refilled lenses was also quantified.

RESULTS

Injection of 0.04 mL silicone material into the relaxed lens enhanced the lens power by 1 D. A 0.54-mm increase of the lens thickness in relaxed lenses added 1 D to the lens power. Increasing the lens refilling volume decreased the lens power changes measured at 3-mm ciliary body stretch. Spherical aberration was positive in the refilled lenses and increased with increasing lens refilling volume.

CONCLUSION

The correlation found between the refilling volume and the lens power (0.04 mL D(-1)), as well as the correlation between the lens thickness and the lens power (0.54 mm D(-1)), might be important factors to be controlled in conjunction with surgery, as these also determine the lens power in the presence of this refill material. An increasing lens filling volume is associated with decreasing accommodative amplitude. The positive spherical aberration of refilled porcine lenses presents a sharp contrast to the negative aberration of natural pigs' lenses. Different lens contours and the transition from a gradient to a homogeneous refractive index might be responsible for this change in spherical aberration.

Measuring optical properties of an eye lens using magnetic resonance imaging

We compare the focal lengths of porcine lenses measured optically and by using a novel MRI technique. The geometric properties of the lenses were also measured and compared. The MRI technique exploits the dependence of both the lens refractive index and relaxation rates on the local protein concentration. By measuring the refractive index and corresponding values of R2 (=1/T2) for samples of lens homogenates with different protein concentrations, the dependence of refractive index on R2 was determined empirically. R2 maps, constructed from monoexponential fits to multiecho images of a slice through the lens containing the optical axis, were converted to refractive index maps using this relationship. A simulated ray trace through the refractive index map provided an estimate of lens focal length that was compared to a direct optical measurement of focal length using a laser ray-tracing method. It was found that the mean focal lengths estimated from the two techniques agreed within experimental uncertainty. The refractive index profile along the optical axis was found to be well described by a simple function of the form n=n0 + n1 x ra where r is the (normalized) lens radius.

AlamarBlue bioassay for cellular investigation of UV-induced crystalline lens damage

PURPOSE

The use of the alamarBlue fluorescence dye for cellular study of UV-induced photodamage in cultured ocular lenses was examined by comparing the results from the fluorometric assay to lens optical quality using a scanning laser system to measure the focal lengths of the lenses following UVB treatment.

METHODS

Excised porcine lenses were cultured in M199 supplemented with 1% antibiotics and 4% porcine serum. After 1 week of pre-incubation at 37 degrees C, baseline measurements were taken. Treated lenses were irradiated with a range of UVB radiant exposures from 0.019 to 0.076 J cm-2. The lenses were maintained for a further 4 weeks, with measurements carried out every 48 h in the first 9 days post-UVB treatment and then once each week. At each measurement session, treated and control lenses were transferred into a 24-well plate, one lens per well containing the assay. The lenses were incubated for 50 min, after which fluorescence readings were taken with a plate reader.

RESULTS

Analyses showed significant (p < 0.05) inhibition of lens metabolic activity and optical function in the 0.038 and 0.076 J cm-2 UVB treated lenses. Lenses treated with 0.019 J cm-2 UVB did not exhibit any photodamage.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that the alamarBlue assay is useful for the in vitro study of UV-induced lens damage. The decrease in the capacity of treated lenses to reduce alamarBlue over time confirms that UVB photo-oxidation can cause diminution of viable lens epithelial and fibre cells. The results also suggest that the energy threshold for broadband UVB induced cataractogenesis in vitro ranges between 0.019 and 0.038 J cm-2.

Dynamic accommodative changes in rhesus monkey eyes assessed with A-scan ultrasound biometry

PURPOSE

Prior studies in humans measured time constants of biometric accommodative changes as a function of amplitude, and prior studies in monkeys used slit lamp videography to analyze dynamic lenticular accommodative movements. Neither of these studies related biometric changes to refractive changes. We wished to develop and test methodology to begin to test the hypothesis that ocular biometric changes are well correlated with accommodative refractive changes in rhesus monkeys.

METHODS

Methodology is described to dynamically measure biometric accommodative changes with A-scan ultrasonography. Lens thickness, anterior chamber depth, and anterior segment length (anterior chamber depth plus lens thickness) were measured dynamically during Edinger-Westphal-stimulated accommodation in two eyes of one rhesus monkey. In addition, dynamic accommodative refractive changes were measured with infrared photorefraction. Functions were fit to the accommodative and disaccommodative responses to obtain time constants. Derivatives of these functions allow peak velocities to be determined for each amplitude. Dynamic changes in lens thickness and anterior chamber depth measured with A-scan biometry were compared with dynamic measures of accommodation using infrared photorefraction.

RESULTS

Lens thickness and anterior segment length increase and anterior chamber depth decreases during accommodation. The biometric changes are well correlated with the accommodative optical changes. Peak velocities of accommodative changes in lens thickness and anterior chamber depth increase with amplitude and peak velocities for disaccommodation were higher than those for accommodation.

CONCLUSIONS

Dynamic A-scan provides a method for dynamic analysis of the accommodative biometric changes during Edinger-Westphal-stimulated accommodation in monkeys, although the measurement resolution of this approach is limited.

Wave aberrations of the isolated crystalline lens

A method to measure wave aberrations in the isolated crystalline lens is demonstrated. The method employs a laser scanning technique in which the trajectories of narrow refracted laser beams are measured for an array of sample positions incident on the lens. The local slope of the emerging wavefront is calculated for each sample position, and a least squares procedure is used to fit a Zernike polynomial function to define the wave aberration. Measurements of the aberrations of an isolated porcine lens and macaque lens undergoing changes in accommodative state with mechanical stretching are shown. Many aberrations were present, but negative spherical aberration dominated. In the macaque lens, many aberrations underwent systematic changes with accommodation, most notably the 4th order spherical aberration, which became more negative, and the 6th order spherical aberration, which progressed from negative to positive.

Evaluation of a porcine lens and fluorescence assay approach for in vitro ocular toxicological investigations

Cell biology, as monitored with the fluorescent indicator dyes Alamar Blue and 5-carboxyfluorescein diacetate acetoxymethyl ester (CFDA-AM), and lens optical quality, as measured with an in vitro scanning laser system, have been used to evaluate in vitro the condition of porcine lenses after being placed in a culture medium. The measurements, beginning from week one of culture, were compared statistically. Optical quality and cellular viability, as measured with either dye, were unchanged in lenses that had been maintained for 6 weeks in modified M199 medium. Some lenses were treated with 0.152J/cm(2) UVB radiation, and a decline was observed after 48 hours in both optical and metabolic capabilities, as indicated by a decreased capacity of the lenses to reduce Alamar Blue. The measurements with CFDA-AM did not show complete concordance with the other indicators of lens health after UV treatment, making this dye less reliable as applied currently to lens cultures. Overall, the findings suggest that porcine lenses can be maintained for weeks in culture, and that their condition can be evaluated quantitatively by assays that probe cellular functions and optical properties. Such a system should prove valuable for in vitro ocular pharmacotoxicological research.