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Meek KM, Knupp C, Lewis PN, Morgan SR, Hayes S. Structural control of corneal transparency, refractive power and dynamics. Eye (Lond) 2024:10.1038/s41433-024-02969-7. [PMID: 38396030 DOI: 10.1038/s41433-024-02969-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The cornea needs to be transparent to visible light and precisely curved to provide the correct refractive power. Both properties are governed by its structure. Corneal transparency arises from constructive interference of visible light due to the relatively ordered arrangement of collagen fibrils in the corneal stroma. The arrangement is controlled by the negatively charged proteoglycans surrounding the fibrils. Small changes in fibril organisation can be tolerated but larger changes cause light scattering. Corneal keratocytes do not scatter light because their refractive index matches that of the surrounding matrix. When activated, however, they become fibroblasts that have a lower refractive index. Modelling shows that this change in refractive index significantly increases light scatter. At the microscopic level, the corneal stroma has a lamellar structure, the parallel collagen fibrils within each lamella making a large angle with those of adjacent lamellae. X-ray scattering has shown that the lamellae have preferred orientations in the human cornea: inferior-superior and nasal-temporal in the central cornea and circumferential at the limbus. The directions at the centre of the cornea may help withstand the pull of the extraocular muscles whereas the pseudo-circular arrangement at the limbus supports the change in curvature between the cornea and sclera. Elastic fibres are also present; in the limbus they contain fibrillin microfibrils surrounding an elastin core, whereas at the centre of the cornea, they exist as thin bundles of fibrillin-rich microfibrils. We present a model based on the structure described above that may explain how the cornea withstands repeated pressure changes due to the ocular pulse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keith M Meek
- Structural Biophysics Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK.
| | - Carlo Knupp
- Structural Biophysics Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Philip N Lewis
- Structural Biophysics Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Siân R Morgan
- Structural Biophysics Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
| | - Sally Hayes
- Structural Biophysics Group, School of Optometry and Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK
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2
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Islam MR, Ji F, Bansal M, Hua Y, Sigal IA. Fibrous finite element modeling of the optic nerve head region. Acta Biomater 2024; 175:123-137. [PMID: 38147935 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.12.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
The optic nerve head (ONH) region at the posterior pole of the eye is supported by a fibrous structure of collagen fiber bundles. Discerning how the fibrous structure determines the region biomechanics is crucial to understand normal physiology, and the roles of biomechanics on vision loss. The fiber bundles within the ONH structure exhibit complex three-dimensional (3D) organization and continuity across the various tissue components. Computational models of the ONH, however, usually represent collagen fibers in a homogenized fashion without accounting for their continuity across tissues, fibers interacting with each other and other fiber-specific effects in a fibrous structure. We present a fibrous finite element (FFE) model of the ONH that incorporates discrete collagen fiber bundles and their histology-based 3D organization to study ONH biomechanics as a fibrous structure. The FFE model was constructed using polarized light microscopy data of porcine ONH cryosections, representing individual fiber bundles in the sclera, dura and pia maters with beam elements and canal tissues as continuum structures. The FFE model mimics the histological in-plane orientation and width distributions of collagen bundles as well as their continuity across different tissues. Modeling the fiber bundles as linear materials, the FFE model predicts the nonlinear ONH response observed in an inflation experiment from the literature. The model also captures important microstructural mechanisms including fiber interactions and long-range strain transmission among bundles that have not been considered before. The FFE model presented here advances our understanding of the role of fibrous collagen structure in the ONH biomechanics. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The microstructure and mechanics of the optic nerve head (ONH) are central to ocular physiology. Histologically, the ONH region exhibits a complex continuous fibrous structure of collagen bundles. Understanding the role of the fibrous collagen structure on ONH biomechanics requires high-fidelity computational models previously unavailable. We present a computational model of the ONH that incorporates histology-based fibrous collagen structure derived from polarized light microscopy images. The model predictions agree with experiments in the literature, and provide insight into important microstructural mechanisms of fibrous tissue biomechanics, such as long-range strain transmission along fiber bundles. Our model can be used to study the microstructural basis of biomechanical damage and the effects of collagen remodeling in glaucoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad R Islam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, Edinburg TX, USA
| | - Fengting Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA
| | - Manik Bansal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA
| | - Yi Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Mississippi, MS, USA
| | - Ian A Sigal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA.
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Lee PY, Fryc G, Gnalian J, Wang B, Hua Y, Waxman S, Zhong F, Yang B, Sigal IA. Direct measurements of collagen fiber recruitment in the posterior pole of the eye. Acta Biomater 2024; 173:135-147. [PMID: 37967694 PMCID: PMC10843755 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.11.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/17/2023]
Abstract
Collagen is the main load-bearing component of the peripapillary sclera (PPS) and lamina cribrosa (LC) in the eye. Whilst it has been shown that uncrimping and recruitment of the PPS and LC collagen fibers underlies the macro-scale nonlinear stiffening of both tissues with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), the uncrimping and recruitment as a function of local stretch have not been directly measured. This knowledge is crucial to understanding their functions in bearing loads and maintaining tissue integrity. In this project we measured local stretch-induced collagen fiber bundle uncrimping and recruitment curves of the PPS and LC. Thin coronal samples of PPS and LC of sheep eyes were mounted and stretched biaxially quasi-statically using a custom system. At each step, we imaged the PPS and LC with instant polarized light microscopy and quantified pixel-level (1.5 μm/pixel) collagen fiber orientations. We used digital image correlation to measure the local stretch and quantified collagen crimp by the circular standard deviation of fiber orientations, or waviness. Local stretch-recruitment curves of PPS and LC approximated sigmoid functions. PPS recruited more fibers than the LC at the low levels of stretch. At 10% stretch the curves crossed with 75% bundles recruited. The PPS had higher uncrimping rate and waviness remaining after recruitment than the LC: 0.9º vs. 0.6º and 3.1º vs. 2.7º. Altogether our findings support describing fiber recruitment of both PPS and LC with sigmoid curves, with the PPS recruiting faster and at lower stretch than the LC, consistent with a stiffer tissue. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Peripapillary sclera (PPS) and lamina cribrosa (LC) collagen recruitment behaviors are central to the nonlinear mechanical behavior of the posterior pole of the eye. How PPS and LC collagen fibers recruit under stretch is crucial to develop constitutive models of the tissues but remains unclear. We used image-based stretch testing to characterize PPS and LC collagen fiber bundle recruitment under local stretch. We found that fiber-level stretch-recruitment curves of PPS and LC approximated sigmoid functions. PPS recruited more fibers at a low stretch, but at 10% bundle stretch the two curves crossed with 75% bundles recruited. We also found that PPS and LC fibers had different uncrimping rates and non-zero waviness's when recruited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Yi Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Gosia Fryc
- Department of Chemistry, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - John Gnalian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bingrui Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yi Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Mississippi, University, MS, USA
| | - Susannah Waxman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Fuqiang Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Engineering, Rangos School of Health Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ian A Sigal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Burguera-Giménez N, Díez-Ajenjo MA, Burguera N, Peris-Martínez C. Anterior Scleral Thickness Profile in Keratoconus. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2223. [PMID: 38004363 PMCID: PMC10671989 DOI: 10.3390/life13112223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 10/24/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Considering that peripheral corneal thinning occurs in keratoconus (KC), the anterior scleral thickness (AST) profile was measured to compare thickness variations in healthy and KC eyes across several meridians. METHODS This cross-sectional case-control study comprised 111 eyes of 111 patients: 61 KC eyes and 50 age- and axial-length-matched healthy eyes. The AST was explored at three scleral eccentricities (1, 2, and 3 mm from the scleral spur) across four scleral zones (nasal, temporal, superior, and inferior) by using swept-source optical coherence tomography. The AST variations among eccentricities and scleral regions within and between groups were investigated. RESULTS The AST significantly varied with scleral eccentricity in healthy eyes over the temporal meridian (p = 0.009), whereas in KC eyes, this variation was observed over the nasal (p = 0.001), temporal (p = 0.029) and inferior (p = 0.006) meridians. The thinnest point in both groups was 2 mm posterior to the scleral spur (p < 0.001). The sclera was thickest over the inferior region (control 581 ± 52 μm, KC 577 ± 67 μm) and thinnest over the superior region (control 448 ± 48 μm, KC 468 ± 58 μm) in both populations (p < 0.001 for all eccentricities). The AST profiles were not significantly different between groups (p > 0.05). The inferior-superior thickness asymmetry was statistically different 2 mm posterior to the scleral spur between groups (p = 0.009), specifically with subclinical KC (p = 0.03). There is a trend where the asymmetry increases, although not significantly, with the KC degree (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS KC eyes presented significant thickness variations among eccentricities over the paracentral sclera. Although AST profiles did not differ between groups, the inferior-superior asymmetry differences demonstrated scleral changes over the vertical meridian in KC that need further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neus Burguera-Giménez
- Anterior Segment and Cornea and External Eye Diseases Unit, Foundation Ophthalmological Medical Hospital (FOM), Av. Pío Baroja, 12, E-46015 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.D.-A.); (C.P.-M.)
- Department of Optics and Optometry and Vision Sciences, Physics School, University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner, 50, E-46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - María Amparo Díez-Ajenjo
- Anterior Segment and Cornea and External Eye Diseases Unit, Foundation Ophthalmological Medical Hospital (FOM), Av. Pío Baroja, 12, E-46015 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.D.-A.); (C.P.-M.)
- Department of Optics and Optometry and Vision Sciences, Physics School, University of Valencia, Dr. Moliner, 50, E-46100 Valencia, Spain
| | - Noemí Burguera
- Q Vision, Ophthalmology Department, Vithas Virgen del Mar Hospital, Ctra. el Mami a Viator, Km.1, E-04120 Almería, Spain;
| | - Cristina Peris-Martínez
- Anterior Segment and Cornea and External Eye Diseases Unit, Foundation Ophthalmological Medical Hospital (FOM), Av. Pío Baroja, 12, E-46015 Valencia, Spain; (M.A.D.-A.); (C.P.-M.)
- Surgery Department, Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Valencia, Av. Blasco Ibáñez, 15, E-46010 Valencia, Spain
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5
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Yam GHF, Pi S, Du Y, Mehta JS. Posterior corneoscleral limbus: Architecture, stem cells, and clinical implications. Prog Retin Eye Res 2023; 96:101192. [PMID: 37392960 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2023.101192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 06/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/03/2023]
Abstract
The limbus is a transition from the cornea to conjunctiva and sclera. In human eyes, this thin strip has a rich variation of tissue structures and composition, typifying a change from scleral irregularity and opacity to corneal regularity and transparency; a variation from richly vascularized conjunctiva and sclera to avascular cornea; the neural passage and drainage of aqueous humor. The limbal stroma is enriched with circular fibres running parallel to the corneal circumference, giving its unique role in absorbing small pressure changes to maintain corneal curvature and refractivity. It contains specific niches housing different types of stem cells for the corneal epithelium, stromal keratocytes, corneal endothelium, and trabecular meshwork. This truly reflects the important roles of the limbus in ocular physiology, and the limbal functionality is crucial for corneal health and the entire visual system. Since the anterior limbus containing epithelial structures and limbal epithelial stem cells has been extensively reviewed, this article is focused on the posterior limbus. We have discussed the structural organization and cellular components of the region beneath the limbal epithelium, the characteristics of stem cell types: namely corneal stromal stem cells, endothelial progenitors and trabecular meshwork stem cells, and recent advances leading to the emergence of potential cell therapy options to replenish their respective mature cell types and to correct defects causing corneal abnormalities. We have reviewed different clinical disorders associated with defects of the posterior limbus and summarized the available preclinical and clinical evidence about the developing topic of cell-based therapy for corneal disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gary Hin-Fai Yam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
| | - Shaohua Pi
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yiqin Du
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jodhbir S Mehta
- Tissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore; Department of Cornea and External Eye Disease, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore; Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences Academic Clinical Program, Duke-National University of Singapore (NUS) Medical School, Singapore.
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6
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Liu X, Jiang L, Ke M, Sigal IA, Chua J, Hoang QV, Chia AW, Najjar RP, Tan B, Cheong J, Bellemo V, Chong RS, Girard MJA, Ang M, Liu M, Garhöfer G, Barathi VA, Saw SM, Villiger M, Schmetterer L. Posterior scleral birefringence measured by triple-input polarization-sensitive imaging as a biomarker of myopia progression. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:986-1000. [PMID: 37365268 PMCID: PMC10427432 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01062-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
In myopic eyes, pathological remodelling of collagen in the posterior sclera has mostly been observed ex vivo. Here we report the development of triple-input polarization-sensitive optical coherence tomography (OCT) for measuring posterior scleral birefringence. In guinea pigs and humans, the technique offers superior imaging sensitivities and accuracies than dual-input polarization-sensitive OCT. In 8-week-long studies with young guinea pigs, scleral birefringence was positively correlated with spherical equivalent refractive errors and predicted the onset of myopia. In a cross-sectional study involving adult individuals, scleral birefringence was associated with myopia status and negatively correlated with refractive errors. Triple-input polarization-sensitive OCT may help establish posterior scleral birefringence as a non-invasive biomarker for assessing the progression of myopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Liu
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- SERI-NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE) programme, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Liqin Jiang
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mengyuan Ke
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ian A Sigal
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jacqueline Chua
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- SERI-NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE) programme, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Quan V Hoang
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Audrey Wi Chia
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Raymond P Najjar
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Bingyao Tan
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- SERI-NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE) programme, Singapore, Singapore
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jocelyn Cheong
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Valentina Bellemo
- SERI-NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE) programme, Singapore, Singapore
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Rachel S Chong
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Michaël J A Girard
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Marcus Ang
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Mengyang Liu
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Gerhard Garhöfer
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Veluchamy A Barathi
- Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Translational Pre-Clinical Model Platform, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Seang-Mei Saw
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore
- Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore
- Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, ,National University of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Martin Villiger
- Wellman Center for Photomedicine, Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Leopold Schmetterer
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore, Singapore.
- Academic Clinical Program, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore, Singapore.
- SERI-NTU Advanced Ocular Engineering (STANCE) programme, Singapore, Singapore.
- Center for Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, Singapore.
- Institute of Molecular and Clinical Ophthalmology, Basel, Switzerland.
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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7
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Ji F, Bansal M, Wang B, Hua Y, Islam MR, Matuschke F, Axer M, Sigal IA. A direct fiber approach to model sclera collagen architecture and biomechanics. Exp Eye Res 2023; 232:109510. [PMID: 37207867 PMCID: PMC10330555 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2022] [Revised: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Sclera collagen fiber microstructure and mechanical behavior are central to eye physiology and pathology. They are also complex, and are therefore often studied using modeling. Most models of sclera, however, have been built within a conventional continuum framework. In this framework, collagen fibers are incorporated as statistical distributions of fiber characteristics such as the orientation of a family of fibers. The conventional continuum approach, while proven successful for describing the macroscale behavior of the sclera, does not account for the sclera fibers are long, interwoven and interact with one another. Hence, by not considering these potentially crucial characteristics, the conventional approach has only a limited ability to capture and describe sclera structure and mechanics at smaller, fiber-level, scales. Recent advances in the tools for characterizing sclera microarchitecture and mechanics bring to the forefront the need to develop more advanced modeling techniques that can incorporate and take advantage of the newly available highly detailed information. Our goal was to create a new computational modeling approach that can represent the sclera fibrous microstructure more accurately than with the conventional continuum approach, while still capturing its macroscale behavior. In this manuscript we introduce the new modeling approach, that we call direct fiber modeling, in which the collagen architecture is built explicitly by long, continuous, interwoven fibers. The fibers are embedded in a continuum matrix representing the non-fibrous tissue components. We demonstrate the approach by doing direct fiber modeling of a rectangular patch of posterior sclera. The model integrated fiber orientations obtained by polarized light microscopy from coronal and sagittal cryosections of pig and sheep. The fibers were modeled using a Mooney-Rivlin model, and the matrix using a Neo-Hookean model. The fiber parameters were determined by inversely matching experimental equi-biaxial tensile data from the literature. After reconstruction, the direct fiber model orientations agreed well with the microscopy data both in the coronal plane (adjusted R2 = 0.8234) and in the sagittal plane (adjusted R2 = 0.8495) of the sclera. With the estimated fiber properties (C10 = 5746.9 MPa; C01 = -5002.6 MPa, matrix shear modulus 200 kPa), the model's stress-strain curves simultaneously fit the experimental data in radial and circumferential directions (adjusted R2's 0.9971 and 0.9508, respectively). The estimated fiber elastic modulus at 2.16% strain was 5.45 GPa, in reasonable agreement with the literature. During stretch, the model exhibited stresses and strains at sub-fiber level, with interactions among individual fibers which are not accounted for by the conventional continuum methods. Our results demonstrate that direct fiber models can simultaneously describe the macroscale mechanics and microarchitecture of the sclera, and therefore that the approach can provide unique insight into tissue behavior questions inaccessible with continuum approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengting Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Manik Bansal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Bingrui Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Yi Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Mohammad R Islam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Felix Matuschke
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Markus Axer
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-1), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
| | - Ian A Sigal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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8
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Lee PY, Schilpp H, Naylor N, Watkins SC, Yang B, Sigal IA. Instant polarized light microscopy pi (IPOLπ) for quantitative imaging of collagen architecture and dynamics in ocular tissues. OPTICS AND LASERS IN ENGINEERING 2023; 166:107594. [PMID: 37193214 PMCID: PMC10168649 DOI: 10.1016/j.optlaseng.2023.107594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
Collagen architecture determines the biomechanical environment in the eye, and thus characterizing collagen fiber organization and biomechanics is essential to fully understand eye physiology and pathology. We recently introduced instant polarized light microscopy (IPOL) that encodes optically information about fiber orientation and retardance through a color snapshot. Although IPOL allows imaging collagen at the full acquisition speed of the camera, with excellent spatial and angular resolutions, a limitation is that the orientation-encoding color is cyclic every 90 degrees (π/2 radians). In consequence, two orthogonal fibers have the same color and therefore the same orientation when quantified by color-angle mapping. In this study, we demonstrate IPOLπ, a new variation of IPOL, in which the orientation-encoding color is cyclic every 180 degrees (π radians). Herein we present the fundamentals of IPOLπ, including a framework based on a Mueller-matrix formalism to characterize how fiber orientation and retardance determine the color. The improved quantitative capability of IPOLπ enables further study of essential biomechanical properties of collagen in ocular tissues, such as fiber anisotropy and crimp. We present a series of experimental calibrations and quantitative procedures to visualize and quantify ocular collagen orientation and microstructure in the optic nerve head, a region in the back of the eye. There are four important strengths of IPOLπ compared to IPOL. First, IPOLπ can distinguish the orientations of orthogonal collagen fibers via colors, whereas IPOL cannot. Second, IPOLπ requires a lower exposure time than IPOL, thus allowing faster imaging speed. Third, IPOLπ allows visualizing non-birefringent tissues and backgrounds from tissue absorption, whereas both appear dark in IPOL images. Fourth, IPOLπ is cheaper and less sensitive to imperfectly collimated light than IPOL. Altogether, the high spatial, angular, and temporal resolutions of IPOLπ enable a deeper insight into ocular biomechanics and eye physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Yi Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Hannah Schilpp
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Nathan Naylor
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Simon C. Watkins
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Engineering, Rangos School of Health Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Ian A Sigal
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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9
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Wang S, Li F, Jin S, Zhang Y, Yang N, Zhao J. Biomechanics of open-globe injury: a review. Biomed Eng Online 2023; 22:53. [PMID: 37226242 DOI: 10.1186/s12938-023-01117-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Open-globe injury is a common cause of blindness clinically caused by blunt trauma, sharp injury, or shock waves, characterised by rupture of the cornea or sclera and exposure of eye contents to the environment. It causes catastrophic damage to the globe, resulting in severe visual impairment and psychological trauma to the patient. Depending on the structure of the globe, the biomechanics causing ocular rupture can vary, and trauma to different parts of the globe can cause varying degrees of eye injury. The weak parts or parts of the eyeball in contact with foreign bodies rupture when biomechanics, such as external force, unit area impact energy, corneoscleral stress, and intraocular pressure exceed a certain value. Studying the biomechanics of open-globe injury and its influencing factors can provide a reference for eye-contact operations and the design of eye-protection devices. This review summarises the biomechanics of open-globe injury and the relevant factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songtao Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 4026, Yatai Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Fuqiang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 4026, Yatai Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Siyan Jin
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 4026, Yatai Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 4026, Yatai Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Ning Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 4026, Yatai Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin, China
| | - Jinsong Zhao
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, No. 4026, Yatai Street, Nanguan District, Changchun, Jilin, China.
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10
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Lee PY, Fryc G, Gnalian J, Hua Y, Waxman S, Zhong F, Yang B, Sigal IA. Direct measurements of collagen fiber recruitment in the posterior pole of the eye. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.05.07.539784. [PMID: 37215028 PMCID: PMC10197604 DOI: 10.1101/2023.05.07.539784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Collagen is the main load-bearing component of the peripapillary sclera (PPS) and lamina cribrosa (LC) in the eye. Whilst it has been shown that uncrimping and recruitment of the PPS and LC collagen fibers underlies the macro-scale nonlinear stiffening of both tissues with increased intraocular pressure (IOP), the uncrimping and recruitment as a function of local stretch have not been directly measured. This knowledge is crucial for the development of constitutive models associating micro and macro scales. In this project we measured local stretch-induced collagen fiber bundle uncrimping and recruitment curves of the PPS and LC. Thin coronal samples of PPS and LC of sheep eyes were mounted and stretched biaxially quasi-statically using a custom system. At each step, we imaged the PPS and LC with instant polarized light microscopy and quantified pixel-level (1.5 μm/pixel) collagen fiber orientations. We used digital image correlation to measure the local stretch and quantified collagen crimp by the circular standard deviation of fiber orientations, or waviness. Local stretch-recruitment curves of PPS and LC approximated sigmoid functions. PPS recruited more fibers than the LC at the low levels of stretch. At 10% stretch the curves crossed with 75% bundles recruited. The PPS had higher uncrimping rate and waviness remaining after recruitment than the LC: 0.9° vs. 0.6° and 3.1° vs. 2.7°. Altogether our findings support describing fiber recruitment of both PPS and LC with sigmoid curves, with the PPS recruiting faster and at lower stretch than the LC, consistent with a stiffer tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Yi Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering
| | - Gosia Fryc
- Department of Chemistry, Dietrich School of Arts and Sciences University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - John Gnalian
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Yi Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Mississippi, University, MS
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Mississippi, University, MS
| | - Susannah Waxman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Fuqiang Zhong
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Engineering, Rangos School of Health Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Ian A Sigal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering
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11
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Foong TY, Hua Y, Amini R, Sigal IA. Who bears the load? IOP-induced collagen fiber recruitment over the corneoscleral shell. Exp Eye Res 2023; 230:109446. [PMID: 36935071 PMCID: PMC10133210 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2023.109446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/25/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/19/2023]
Abstract
Collagen is the main load-bearing component of cornea and sclera. When stretched, both of these tissues exhibit a behavior known as collagen fiber recruitment. In recruitment, as the tissues stretch the constitutive collagen fibers lose their natural waviness, progressively straightening. Recruited, straight, fibers bear substantially more mechanical load than non-recruited, wavy, fibers. As such, the process of recruitment underlies the well-established nonlinear macroscopic behavior of the corneoscleral shell. Recruitment has an interesting implication: when recruitment is incomplete, only a fraction of the collagen fibers is actually contributing to bear the loads, with the rest remaining "in reserve". In other words, at a given intraocular pressure (IOP), it is possible that not all the collagen fibers of the cornea and sclera are actually contributing to bear the loads. To the best of our knowledge, the fraction of corneoscleral shell fibers recruited and contributing to bear the load of IOP has not been reported. Our goal was to obtain regionally-resolved estimates of the fraction of corneoscleral collagen fibers recruited and in reserve. We developed a fiber-based microstructural constitutive model that could account for collagen fiber undulations or crimp via their tortuosity. We used experimentally-measured collagen fiber crimp tortuosity distributions in human eyes to derive region-specific nonlinear hyperelastic mechanical properties. We then built a three-dimensional axisymmetric model of the globe, assigning region-specific mechanical properties and regional anisotropy. The model was used to simulate the IOP-induced shell deformation. The model-predicted tissue stretch was then used to quantify collagen recruitment within each shell region. The calculations showed that, at low IOPs, collagen fibers in the posterior equator were recruited the fastest, such that at a physiologic IOP of 15 mmHg, over 90% of fibers were recruited, compared with only a third in the cornea and the peripapillary sclera. The differences in recruitment between regions, in turn, mean that at a physiologic IOP the posterior equator had a fiber reserve of only 10%, whereas the cornea and peripapillary sclera had two thirds. At an elevated IOP of 50 mmHg, collagen fibers in the limbus and the anterior/posterior equator were almost fully recruited, compared with 90% in the cornea and the posterior sclera, and 70% in the peripapillary sclera and the equator. That even at such an elevated IOP not all the fibers were recruited suggests that there are likely other conditions that challenge the corneoscleral tissues even more than IOP. The fraction of fibers recruited may have other potential implications. For example, fibers that are not bearing loads may be more susceptible to enzymatic digestion or remodeling. Similarly, it may be possible to control tissue stiffness through the fraction of recruited fibers without the need to add or remove collagen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Yong Foong
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Yi Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Mississippi, MS, United States; Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Mississippi, MS, United States
| | - Rouzbeh Amini
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States; Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Ian A Sigal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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12
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Jan NJ, Lee PY, Wallace J, Iasella M, Gogola A, Wang B, Sigal IA. Stretch-Induced Uncrimping of Equatorial Sclera Collagen Bundles. J Biomech Eng 2023; 145:054503. [PMID: 36459150 PMCID: PMC9791674 DOI: 10.1115/1.4056354] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Stretch-induced collagen uncrimping underlies the nonlinear mechanical behavior of the sclera according to what is often called the process of recruitment. We recently reported experimental measurements of sclera collagen crimp and pressure-induced uncrimping. Our studies, however, were cross-sectional, providing statistical descriptions of crimp with no information on the effects of stretch on specific collagen bundles. Data on bundle-specific uncrimping is necessary to better understand the effects of macroscale input on the collagen microscale and tissue failure. Our goal in this project was to measure bundle-specific stretch-induced collagen uncrimping of sclera. Three goat eyes were cryosectioned sagittally (30 μm). Samples of equatorial sclera were isolated, mounted to a custom uni-axial stretcher and imaged with polarized light microscopy at various levels of clamp-to-clamp stretch until failure. At each stretch level, local strain was measured using image tracking techniques. The level of collagen crimping was determined from the bundle waviness, defined as the circular standard deviation of fiber orientation along a bundle. Eye-specific recruitment curves were then computed using eye-specific waviness at maximum stretch before sample failure to define fibers as recruited. Nonlinear mixed effect models were used to determine the associations of waviness to local strain and recruitment to clamp-to-clamp stretch. Waviness decreased exponentially with local strain (p < 0.001), whereas bundle recruitment followed a sigmoidal curve with clamp-to-clamp stretch (p < 0.001). Individual bundle responses to stretch varied substantially, but recruitment curves were similar across sections and eyes. In conclusion, uni-axial stretch caused measurable bundle-specific uncrimping, with the sigmoidal recruitment pattern characteristic of fiber-reinforced soft tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning-Jiun Jan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Po-Yi Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Jacob Wallace
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Michael Iasella
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Alexandra Gogola
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Bingrui Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
| | - Ian A. Sigal
- Department of Ophthalmology, Laboratory of Ocular Biomechanics, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
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13
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Cehajic-Kapetanovic J, Singh MS, Zrenner E, MacLaren RE. Bioengineering strategies for restoring vision. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:387-404. [PMID: 35102278 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-021-00836-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Late-stage retinal degenerative disease involving photoreceptor loss can be treated by optogenetic therapy, cell transplantation and retinal prostheses. These approaches aim to restore light sensitivity to the retina as well as visual perception by integrating neuronal responses for transmission to the cortex. In age-related macular degeneration, some cell-based therapies also aim to restore photoreceptor-supporting tissue to prevent complete photoreceptor loss. In the earlier stages of degeneration, gene-replacement therapy could attenuate retinal-disease progression and reverse loss of function. And gene-editing strategies aim to correct the underlying genetic defects. In this Review, we highlight the most promising gene therapies, cell therapies and retinal prostheses for the treatment of retinal disease, discuss the benefits and drawbacks of each treatment strategy and the factors influencing whether functional tissue is reconstructed and repaired or replaced with an electronic device, and summarize upcoming technologies for enhancing the restoration of vision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jasmina Cehajic-Kapetanovic
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK.
| | | | - Eberhart Zrenner
- Institute for Ophthalmic Research, Center for Ophthalmology, University of Tübingen, Tübingen, Germany
| | - Robert E MacLaren
- Nuffield Laboratory of Ophthalmology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Oxford Eye Hospital, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
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14
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Lee PY, Schilpp H, Naylor N, Watkins SC, Yang B, Sigal IA. Instant polarized light microscopy pi (IPOLπ) for quantitative imaging of collagen architecture and dynamics in ocular tissues. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.29.526111. [PMID: 36778384 PMCID: PMC9915523 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.29.526111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Collagen architecture determines the biomechanical environment in the eye, and thus characterizing collagen fiber organization and biomechanics is essential to fully understand eye physiology and pathology. We recently introduced instant polarized light microscopy (IPOL) that encodes optically information about fiber orientation and retardance through a color snapshot. Although IPOL allows imaging collagen at the full acquisition speed of the camera, with excellent spatial and angular resolutions, a limitation is that the orientation-encoding color is cyclic every 90 degrees (π/2 radians). In consequence, two orthogonal fibers have the same color and therefore the same orientation when quantified by color-angle mapping. In this study, we demonstrate IPOLπ, a new variation of IPOL, in which the orientation-encoding color is cyclic every 180 degrees (π radians). Herein we present the fundamentals of IPOLπ, including a framework based on a Mueller-matrix formalism to characterize how fiber orientation and retardance determine the color. The improved quantitative capability of IPOLπ enables further study of essential biomechanical properties of collagen in ocular tissues, such as fiber anisotropy and crimp. We present a series of experimental calibrations and quantitative procedures to visualize and quantify ocular collagen orientation and microstructure in the optic nerve head, a region in the back of the eye. There are four important strengths of IPOLπ compared to IPOL. First, IPOLπ can distinguish the orientations of orthogonal collagen fibers via colors, whereas IPOL cannot. Second, IPOLπ requires a lower exposure time than IPOL, thus allowing faster imaging speed. Third, IPOLπ allows visualizing non-birefringent tissues and backgrounds from tissue absorption, whereas both appear dark in IPOL images. Fourth, IPOLπ is cheaper and less sensitive to imperfectly collimated light than IPOL. Altogether, the high spatial, angular, and temporal resolutions of IPOLπ enable a deeper insight into ocular biomechanics and eye physiology and pathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Yi Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Hannah Schilpp
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Nathan Naylor
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Simon C. Watkins
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Engineering, Rangos School of Health Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Ian A Sigal
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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15
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Reilly MA, Katz SE, Roberts CJ. Orbital fat swelling: A biomechanical theory and supporting model for spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS). Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1095948. [PMID: 36845176 PMCID: PMC9947460 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1095948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome (SANS) is a descriptor of several ocular and visual signs and symptoms which commonly afflicts those exposed to microgravity. We propose a new theory for the driving force leading to the development of Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome which is described via a finite element model of the eye and orbit. Our simulations suggest that the anteriorly directed force produced by orbital fat swelling is a unifying explanatory mechanism for Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome, as well as producing a larger effect than that generated by elevation in intracranial pressure. Hallmarks of this new theory include broad flattening of the posterior globe, loss of tension in the peripapillary choroid, decreased axial length, consistent with findings in astronauts. A geometric sensitivity study suggests several anatomical dimensions may be protective against Spaceflight-Associated Neuro-ocular Syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew A. Reilly
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,*Correspondence: Matthew A. Reilly,
| | - Steven E. Katz
- Ohio Neuro-Ophthalmology, Orbital Disease & Oculoplastics, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Cynthia J. Roberts
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States,Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
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16
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Shen SR, Fleming GP, Jain SG, Roberts CJ. A Review of Corneal Biomechanics and Scleral Stiffness in Topical Prostaglandin Analog Therapy for Glaucoma. Curr Eye Res 2023; 48:172-181. [PMID: 35929977 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2022.2099903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The mechanism of action underlying prostaglandin analog (PGA) therapy involves changes in the expression of different metalloproteases to increase permeability of the sclera and allow increased aqueous humor outflow through this alternative drainage pathway. This alteration of structure impacts cornea/scleral biomechanics and may introduce artifact into the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP) in the clinical setting. METHODS A literature search reviewing the impact of PGA therapy on corneal and scleral biomechanics was conducted including basic studies, clinical studies with treatment naïve patients, and a clinical study examining the cessation of PGA therapy. Additional literature including engineering texts was added for greater clarity of the concepts underlying ocular biomechanics. RESULTS One study with an animal model reported significant corneal stiffening with PGA treatment. Most longitudinal clinical studies examining the effects of initiation of PGA therapy in PGA naïve subjects failed to report biomechanical parameters associated with stiffness using the Corvis ST and only included those parameters strongly influenced by IOP. One study reported a significant reduction in scleral stiffness with IOP as a co-variate, highlighting the need to account for the effects of IOP lowering when assessing clinical biomechanics. The report of cessation of PGA therapy on corneal biomechanics showed no change in corneal compensated IOP after 6 weeks, raising the question of reversibility of the PGA-induced structural alteration. CONCLUSIONS Given that the findings in several clinical studies may merely reflect a reduction in IOP, further studies are warranted using Corvis ST parameters associated with corneal and scleral stiffness. The gold standard for IOP measurement in the clinical setting is Goldmann applanation tonometry, a technique previously shown to be affected by corneal stiffness. Since PGA therapy has been reported to alter not only scleral biomechanics, but also corneal biomechanics, it is essential to consider alternative tonometry technologies in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven R Shen
- College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Gloria P Fleming
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shelly Gupta Jain
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Cynthia J Roberts
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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17
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Abstract
Glaucoma is a progressive, age-related optic neuropathy, whereby the prevalence increases sharply over the age of 60 and is associated with increased systemic tissue stiffness. On a molecular basis, this is associated with increased deposition of collagen and loss of elastin structure, resulting in aberrant biomechanical compliance and reduced tissue elasticity. Increased tissue stiffness is a known driver of myofibroblast activation and persistence, especially in chronic cellular injuries via mechanotransduction pathways mediated by integrins and focal adhesion kinases. Evidence from histological and imaging studies plus force measurements of glaucomatous eyes show that several ocular tissues are stiffer than normal, healthy age-matched controls including the trabecular meshwork, Schlemm's canal, cornea, sclera and the lamina cribrosa. This is associated with increased extracellular matrix deposition and fibrosis. This review reports on the evidence to support the concept that glaucoma represents 'a stiff eye in a stiff body' and addresses potential mechanisms to attenuate this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Powell
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Catherine McAuley Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mustapha Irnaten
- Catherine McAuley Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Colm O'Brien
- Department of Ophthalmology, Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Catherine McAuley Research Centre, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
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18
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Sayah DN, Lesk MR. Ocular Rigidity and Current Therapy. Curr Eye Res 2023; 48:105-113. [PMID: 35763027 DOI: 10.1080/02713683.2022.2093380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Purpose: Ocular rigidity (OR) is an important biomechanical parameter of the eye accounting for the material and geometrical properties of the corneoscleral shell.Methods: This study used a literature search to review the role of ocular rigidity and the application of potential therapies targeting this parameter in glaucoma and myopia.Conclusion: Biomechanical modeling and improved understanding of the biochemistry, and molecular arrangement of sclera and its constituents have yielded important insights. Recent developments, including that of a non-invasive and direct OR measurement method and improved ocular imaging techniques are helping to elucidate the role of OR in healthy and diseased eyes by facilitating large scale and longitudinal clinical studies. Improved understanding of OR at the initial stages of disease processes and its alterations with disease progression will undoubtedly propel research in the field. Furthermore, a better understanding of the determinants of OR is helping to refine novel therapeutic approaches which target and alter the biomechanical properties of the sclera in sight-threatening conditions such as glaucoma and myopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diane N Sayah
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Canada.,School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mark R Lesk
- Maisonneuve-Rosemont Hospital Research Center, Montreal, Canada.,Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada.,Centre Universitaire d'ophtalmologie de l'Université de Montréal de l'Hôpital Maisonneuve-Rosemont, CIUSSS-E, Montreal, Canada
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19
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Coleman-Belin J, Harris A, Chen B, Zhou J, Ciulla T, Verticchio A, Antman G, Chang M, Siesky B. Aging Effects on Optic Nerve Neurodegeneration. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2573. [PMID: 36768896 PMCID: PMC9917079 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Common risk factors for many ocular pathologies involve non-pathologic, age-related damage to the optic nerve. Understanding the mechanisms of age-related changes can facilitate targeted treatments for ocular pathologies that arise at any point in life. In this review, we examine these age-related, neurodegenerative changes in the optic nerve, contextualize these changes from the anatomic to the molecular level, and appreciate their relationship with ocular pathophysiology. From simple structural and mechanical changes at the optic nerve head (ONH), to epigenetic and biochemical alterations of tissue and the environment, multiple age-dependent mechanisms drive extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss, and lowered regenerative ability of respective axons. In conjunction, aging decreases the ability of myelin to preserve maximal conductivity, even with "successfully" regenerated axons. Glial cells, however, regeneratively overcompensate and result in a microenvironment that promotes RGC axonal death. Better elucidating optic nerve neurodegeneration remains of interest, specifically investigating human ECM, RGCs, axons, oligodendrocytes, and astrocytes; clarifying the exact processes of aged ocular connective tissue alterations and their ultrastructural impacts; and developing novel technologies and pharmacotherapies that target known genetic, biochemical, matrisome, and neuroinflammatory markers. Management models should account for age-related changes when addressing glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and other blinding diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Coleman-Belin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Alon Harris
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Bo Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Jing Zhou
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Thomas Ciulla
- Vitreoretinal Medicine and Surgery, Midwest Eye Institute, Indianapolis, IN 46290, USA
| | - Alice Verticchio
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Gal Antman
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Rabin Medical Center, Petah Tikva 4941492, Israel
| | - Michael Chang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
| | - Brent Siesky
- Department of Ophthalmology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
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20
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Muacevic A, Adler JR. The Comparison of Intraocular Pressure Measured by Transpalpebral Method Using Diaton and Rebound Tonometry by iCare in the Eyes Before and After Transepithelial Photorefractive Keratectomy (TPRK) in Saudi Arabia. Cureus 2022; 14:e33031. [PMID: 36721582 PMCID: PMC9883059 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.33031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Intraocular pressure (IOP) measurement is vital to select and monitor a patient undergoing ocular surgery. The validity of tonometry by independent researchers is useful. In this paper, we compare intraocular pressure (IOP) by rebound tonometry using iCare (Tiolat Oy, Helsinki, Finland) with transpalpebral IOP (tpIOP) method by using Diaton (Bicom Inc., NY, USA) before and after transepithelial photorefractive keratectomy (TPRK) in Saudi Arabia. METHODS This cross-sectional validity study was held at a private ophthalmology hospital in central Saudi Arabia from January 2021 to February 2022. The tonometry was performed before, at week 1 (W1), and month 1 (M1) after TPRK. The tpIOP and IOP by iCare were compared using matched-pair analysis. The agreement in IOP by two methods was reviewed using the Bland-Altman plot. Central corneal thickness (CCT), spherical equivalent (SE) before surgery, and gender were correlated to the difference in IOP by two tonometers. The main outcome was the difference in IOP measured by Diaton and iCare. RESULTS We studied 202 eyes of 101 patients. The median difference in IOP by Diaton and iCare was -1.0 mmHg before, at W1, and M1 follow-ups. Before surgery, tpIOP by Diaton was 15.0±2.8 mmHg and by iCare was 16.0±3.7 mmHg (P<0.001). At W1, tpIOP was 15.9±2.5 mmHg and 16.9±3.4 mmHg by iCare (P<0.001). At M1, tpIOP was 15.7±4.1 mmHg and 16.5±5.4 mmHg by iCare (P<0.001). IOP by two methods was within ±2 mmHg in 73.3%, 69.8%, and 75.2% of the eyes before, at W1, and M1 of TPRK. Pre-CCT (P<0.001) was the significant predictor of the difference in IOP by two methods at W1 and M1 (P=0.001). iCare gave the overestimation of IOP compared to Diaton in 18.3%, 22.8%, and 17.8% of the eyes before, W1, and M1 follow-ups. CONCLUSIONS IOP by iCare and Diaton was similar. Central corneal thickness was the predictor of IOP differences by tonometers.
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Wang Y, Cao H. Corneal and Scleral Biomechanics in Ophthalmic Diseases: An Updated Review. MEDICINE IN NOVEL TECHNOLOGY AND DEVICES 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.medntd.2022.100140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022] Open
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22
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Waxman S, Brazile BL, Yang B, Lee PY, Hua Y, Gogola AL, Lam P, Voorhees AP, Rizzo JF, Jakobs TC, Sigal IA. Lamina cribrosa vessel and collagen beam networks are distinct. Exp Eye Res 2022; 215:108916. [PMID: 34973204 PMCID: PMC8923914 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2021.108916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Our goal was to analyze the spatial interrelation between vascular and collagen networks in the lamina cribrosa (LC). Specifically, we quantified the percentages of collagen beams with/without vessels and of vessels inside/outside of collagen beams. To do this, the vasculature of six normal monkey eyes was labeled by perfusion post-mortem. After enucleation, coronal cryosections through the LC were imaged using fluorescence and polarized light microscopy to visualize the blood vessels and collagen beams, respectively. The images were registered to form 3D volumes. Beams and vessels were segmented, and their spatial interrelationship was quantified in 3D. We found that 22% of the beams contained a vessel (range 14%-32%), and 21% of vessels were outside beams (13%-36%). Stated differently, 78% of beams did not contain a vessel (68%-86%), and 79% of vessels were inside a beam (64%-87%). Individual monkeys differed significantly in the fraction of vessels outside beams (p < 0.01 by linear mixed effect analysis), but not in the fraction of beams with vessels (p > 0.05). There were no significant differences between contralateral eyes in the percent of beams with vessels and of vessels outside beams (p > 0.05). Our results show that the vascular and collagenous networks of the LC in monkey are clearly distinct, and the historical notions that each LC beam contains a vessel and all vessels are within beams are inaccurate. We postulate that vessels outside beams may be relatively more vulnerable to mechanical compression by elevated IOP than are vessels shielded inside of beams.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susannah Waxman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh PA, USA
| | - Bryn L. Brazile
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh PA, USA
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh PA, USA,Department of Engineering, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Po-Yi Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA
| | - Yi Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh PA, USA
| | - Alexandra L. Gogola
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh PA, USA
| | - Po Lam
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh PA, USA
| | - Andrew P. Voorhees
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh PA, USA
| | - Joseph F. Rizzo
- Neuro-Ophthalmology Service, Department of Ophthalmology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Neuro-Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Tatjana C. Jakobs
- Department of Ophthalmology, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary/Schepens Eye Research Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Ian A. Sigal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh PA, USA,Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh PA, USA,Correspondence: Ian A. Sigal, Ph.D., Laboratory of Ocular Biomechanics, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, 203 Lothrop St. Rm. 930, Pittsburgh, PA, USA. 15213, Phone: (412) 864-2220; fax: (412) 647-5880, www.OcularBiomechanics.org
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Lee PY, Yang B, Hua Y, Waxman S, Zhu Z, Ji F, Sigal IA. Real-time imaging of optic nerve head collagen microstructure and biomechanics using instant polarized light microscopy. Exp Eye Res 2022; 217:108967. [PMID: 35114213 PMCID: PMC8957577 DOI: 10.1016/j.exer.2022.108967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 11/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Current tools lack the temporal or spatial resolution necessary to image many important aspects of the architecture and dynamics of the optic nerve head (ONH). We evaluated the potential of instant polarized light microscopy (IPOL) to overcome these limitations by leveraging the ability to capture collagen fiber orientation and density in a single image. Coronal sections through the ONH of fresh normal sheep eyes were imaged using IPOL while they were stretched using custom uniaxial or biaxial micro-stretch devices. IPOL allows identifying ONH collagen architectural details, such as fiber interweaving and crimp, and has high temporal resolution, limited only by the frame rate of the camera. Local collagen fiber orientations and deformations were quantified using color analysis and image tracking techniques. We quantified stretch-induced collagen uncrimping of lamina cribrosa (LC) and peripapillary sclera (PPS), and changes in LC pore size (area) and shape (convexity and aspect ratio). The simultaneous high spatial and temporal resolutions of IPOL revealed complex ONH biomechanics: i) stretch-induced local deformation of the PPS was nonlinear and nonaffine. ii) under load the crimped collagen fibers in the PPS and LC straightened, without torsion and with only small rotations. iii) stretch-induced LC pore deformation was anisotropic and heterogeneous among pores. Overall, with stretch the pores were became larger, more convex, and more circular. We have demonstrated that IPOL reveals details of collagen morphology and mechanics under dynamic loading previously out of reach. IPOL can detect stretch-induced collagen uncrimping and other elements of the tissue nonlinear mechanical behavior. IPOL showed changes in pore morphology and collagen architecture that will help improve understanding of how LC tissue responds to load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Po-Yi Lee
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Bin Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States; Department of Engineering, Rangos School of Health Sciences, Duquesne University, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Yi Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Susannah Waxman
- Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Ziyi Zhu
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Fengting Ji
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States
| | - Ian A Sigal
- Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, United States; Department of Ophthalmology, School of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, United States.
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Mohamed-Noriega K, Treviño-Herrera AB, Mohamed-Noriega J, Velasco-Sepúlveda BH, Martínez-Pacheco VA, Guevara-Villarreal DA, Rodríguez-Medellín DL, Sepúlveda-Salinas AG, Villarreal-Méndez G, González-Cortés JH, Elizondo-Omaña RE, Guzmán-López S, Mohamed-Hamsho J. Relationship of Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte and Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio With Visual Acuity After Surgical Repair of Open Globe Injury. Front Med (Lausanne) 2021; 8:697585. [PMID: 34881251 PMCID: PMC8645644 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2021.697585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: To assess the relationship and prognostic value of the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) with poor final best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) after surgical repair of open globe injuries (OGI) in adults. Design: Retrospective analysis of data from an ongoing prospective cohort of consecutive patients. Methods: In a tertiary university hospital, 197 eyes of 197 patients were included between 2013 and 2017. NLR and PLR were obtained from pre-operative blood tests to analyze its relationship with poor final BCVA. Results: Severe visual impairment (SVI) was defined as ≤20/200, and was observed in 96 (48.7%) patients after surgical repair of OGI. SVI patients had higher NLR (7.4 ± 6.6 vs. 4.0 ± 3.2, p < 0.001), and PLR (167 ± 92 vs. 139 ± 64; p = 0.021) than non-SVI. NLR ≥ 3.47 and PLR ≥ 112.2 were the best cut-off values for SVI, were univariate risk factors for SVI, and had sensitivity: 69.0, 71.4, and specificity: 63.6, 44.8, respectively. In multivariate analysis, only OTS, athalamia, and hyphema remained as risk factors. NLR had significant correlation with ocular trauma score (OTS) (r = −0.389, p < 0.001) and final BCVA (r = 0.345, p < 0.001). Limitations: Simultaneous trauma in other parts of the body that could influence the laboratory findings. Conclusion: Patients with SVI after a repaired OGI had increased pre-operative NLR and PLR levels. High NLR and PLR are risk factors for SVI in univariate analysis. It is confirmed that low OTS is a risk factor for SVI. High NLR and PLR could be used as a prognostic tool to identify patients at higher risk for SVI after repair of OGI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim Mohamed-Noriega
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Alan B Treviño-Herrera
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Jibran Mohamed-Noriega
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Braulio H Velasco-Sepúlveda
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Víctor A Martínez-Pacheco
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Dante A Guevara-Villarreal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Delia L Rodríguez-Medellín
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Anna G Sepúlveda-Salinas
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Gerardo Villarreal-Méndez
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Jesús H González-Cortés
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo E Elizondo-Omaña
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Santos Guzmán-López
- Department of Human Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
| | - Jesús Mohamed-Hamsho
- Department of Ophthalmology, University Hospital and Faculty of Medicine, Autonomous University of Nuevo León, Monterrey, Mexico
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Sobczak M, Asejczyk M. Birefringent properties of the cornea measured by a Mueller type polarimeter in healthy adults and children. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2021; 12:7872-7885. [PMID: 35003872 PMCID: PMC8713654 DOI: 10.1364/boe.440274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Mueller type polarimeter was used for in vivo measurements of the anisotropic parameters (retardation and azimuth angle) of corneas. To determine birefringence, corneal thickness was measured with a Scheimpflug camera (Corvist ST). The retardation distributions in the nasal-temporal cross-section in both children (N=7) and adults (N=38) groups occurred asymmetrical. The asymmetry in birefringence distributions was observed only in adults group. The geometrical analysis of the first order isochromes in both age groups showed the asymmetry of its shapes. The changes of symmetry in birefringent properties with age may have potential relationship with changing corneal biometry.
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Mittal V, Rathod D, Sehdev N. Bowman-stromal inlay using an intraocular lens injector for management of keratoconus. J Cataract Refract Surg 2021; 47:e49-e55. [PMID: 34846349 DOI: 10.1097/j.jcrs.0000000000000644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 03/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
A simple approach for transplanting Bowman layer and anterior stroma Bowman-stromal inlay (BSI) in keratoconic patients as an intervention to cease progression of ectasia and increase the overall thickness is described. A femtosecond laser was used to create BSI from human eye bank donor corneas and form an intrastromal pocket in the host cornea. The inlay was placed in the intrastromal space using an intraocular lens injector. This technique was performed successfully in 10 eyes of patients with progressive corneal ectasia. Postoperatively, the increased host pachymetry was as per BSI thickness. The tomography parameters remained stable, suggesting stabilization of keratoconus over a mean 15.9 months of follow-up. The BSI may offer a technically easy and safe technique of stromal augmentation to arrest keratoconus progression. It also opens up the possibility of surface ablation in the future for visual rehabilitation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vikas Mittal
- From the Cornea and Refractive Surgery Services, LJ Eye Institute, Ambala City, Haryana, India
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Jiao X, Pei X, Lu D, Qi D, Huang S, He S, Li Z. Microbial Reconstitution Improves Aging-Driven Lacrimal Gland Circadian Dysfunction. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2021; 191:2091-2116. [PMID: 34428426 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2021.08.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lacrimal glands are highly susceptible to aging and exhibit age-related structural and functional alterations. However, the mechanisms by which aging affects the lacrimal glands are not well-established. The current study explores the crosstalk between the aging process, gut microbiota, and circadian rhythm in age-associated lacrimal gland dysfunction. C57BL/6J mice were divided into young, old, and fecal microbiota transplant (FMT)-treated old groups. The gut bacterial community diversity was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Exorbital lacrimal glands (ELGs) were collected at 3-hour intervals over a 24-hour circadian cycle, and total RNA was subjected to high-throughput sequencing. Rhythmic transcriptional data were analyzed using the Jonckheere-Terpstra-Kendall algorithm and bioinformatics analysis technology. Immunostaining was used to identify lymphocytic infiltration, lipid deposition, and nerve innervation in the ELGs. Compared with young mice, old mice underwent a significant gut microbial community shift. The rhythmically transcriptomic profile was significantly reprogrammed over a 24-hour cycle in the old ELG group. Intervention with serial FMT from young donors for 1 month rejuvinated the gut microbial community of the old mice. Most alterations in rhythmic transcriptomic profiling were improved. Furthermore, chronic inflammation, lipid deposition, and aberrant neural response of the aging lacrimal glands were significantly reduced. Thus, the study shows that reconstitution of age-associated gut dysbiosis with FMTs from young donors improves aging-driven lacrimal gland circadian dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinwei Jiao
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, and Henan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoting Pei
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, and Henan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Dingli Lu
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, and Henan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Di Qi
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, and Henan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shenzhen Huang
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, and Henan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Siyu He
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, and Henan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zhijie Li
- Henan Eye Institute, Henan Eye Hospital, and Henan Key Laboratory of Ophthalmology and Visual Science, Henan Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, People's Hospital of Henan University, Zhengzhou, China.
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Aldrovani M, Pereira AG, Tinasi ALSN, Brito VJDSC, Raposo ACS, Honsho CDS, Oriá AP. Birefringence Analyses Reveal Differences in Supramolecular Characteristics of Corneal Stromal Collagen Fibrils Between Falconiformes and Strigiformes. Integr Comp Biol 2021; 62:124-138. [PMID: 34313760 DOI: 10.1093/icb/icab171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to assess the birefringent properties of corneal stromal collagen fibrils in birds of the orders Falconiformes (diurnal) and Strigiformes (predominantly nocturnal) to compare their supramolecular organizations. Twenty-two corneas of Falconiformes (Caracara plancus, n = 8; Rupornis magnirostris, n = 10; and Falco sparverius, n = 4) and 28 of Strigiformes (Tyto furcata, n = 16; Pseudoscops clamator, n = 6; and Athene cunicularia, n = 6) were processed histotechnically into 8 μm thick sections. Corneal optical retardation values related to the form and intrinsic fractions of the total birefringence of collagen fibrils were measured using a polarized light microscope equipped with phase compensators. In addition, the coherence coefficients that inform the local orientation of the fibrils were calculated through video image analysis. All assessments were conducted both in the anterior and posterior stroma of the cornea. Differences were significant when p < 0.05. The results showed supraorganizational differences between fibrils in the anterior stroma of Falconiformes and Strigiformes. The optical retardation values were greater (p < 0.0001) for Falconiformes, indicating that the corneas of these birds contain more collagen fibrils or more aggregated collagen fibrils. In contrast, the coherence coefficients were higher (p = 0.016) for Strigiformes, indicating that the collagen fibers in these birds are highly aligned and have few undulations. A multivariate data matrix constructed for Euclidean distance calculations showed that the dissimilarity between Falconiformes and Strigiformes corneas, in terms of the supraorganization of stromal collagen fibrils, was 4.56%. In conclusion, it is possible that the supraorganizational differences reported in this study may be sources of variation in the visual quality of Falconiformes and Strigiformes. This study provides the necessary evidence to encourage further research associating corneal optical performance to supramolecular characteristics of corneal stromal collagen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Aldrovani
- Post-Graduation Program in Animal Science, Franca University, Franca, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Arianne Pontes Oriá
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Zootechny, Federal University of Bahia, Salvador, Brazil
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Sobczak M, Asejczyk M, Kalinowski K, Pierścionek B. Comparative analysis of the corneal birefringence pattern in healthy children and adults. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt 2021; 41:715-725. [PMID: 34021615 DOI: 10.1111/opo.12835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE To undertake a comparative analysis of the corneal shape, thickness and isochromatics in the eyes of children and adults in order to determine the extent of similarities and differences between the cohorts. METHODS The study involved 24 children (aged 8 years) and 37 young White adults (aged between 22-24 years) with no apparent or known health or ocular conditions. Measurements were made of corneal radius of curvature, both central (CCT) and paracentral (PCT) corneal thickness and intraocular pressure (IOP). Images of the isochromatics were captured using a slit lamp and a circular polarizer. The geometry of fringe I and II of the isochromatics was analysed. RESULTS Statistically significant differences were found between CCT and PCT in nasal and temporal regions for both the children and adult cohorts. The same trends were observed in the radii of the cornea. Statistically significant differences between side lengths and angles of isochromatic fringes were found. No differences in asymmetry of shape for fringe I between adults and children were detected; greater symmetry was seen in fringe II in children than for adults. CONCLUSIONS The asymmetry in corneal shape and curvature contributes to the shape of the isochromatic fringes. This is likely linked to the orientation and parameters of the collagen fibres and to the muscles' forces, and be relevant for surgical procedures such as corneal transplantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcelina Sobczak
- Department of Optics and Photonics, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Magdalena Asejczyk
- Department of Optics and Photonics, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Kamil Kalinowski
- Department of Optics and Photonics, Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Barbara Pierścionek
- School of Life Sciences and Education, Staffordshire University, Stoke-on-Trent, UK.,Faculty of Health, Education, Medicine and Social Care, Anglia Ruskin University, Chelmsford, UK
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Wilson A, Marshall J. A review of corneal biomechanics: Mechanisms for measurement and the implications for refractive surgery. Indian J Ophthalmol 2021; 68:2679-2690. [PMID: 33229643 PMCID: PMC7856929 DOI: 10.4103/ijo.ijo_2146_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Detailed clinical assessment of corneal biomechanics has the potential to revolutionize the ophthalmic industry through enabling quicker and more proficient diagnosis of corneal disease, safer and more effective surgical treatments, and the provision of customized and optimized care. Despite these wide-ranging benefits, and an outstanding clinical need, the provision of technology capable of the assessment of corneal biomechanics in the clinic is still in its infancy. While laboratory-based technologies have progressed significantly over the past decade, there remain significant gaps in our knowledge regarding corneal biomechanics and how they relate to shape and function, and how they change in disease and after surgical intervention. Here, we discuss the importance, relevance, and challenges associated with the assessment of corneal biomechanics and review the techniques currently available and underdevelopment in both the laboratory and the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby Wilson
- Wolfson School of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Electrical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - John Marshall
- Wolfson School of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Electrical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
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31
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Voorhees AP, Hua Y, Brazile BL, Wang B, Waxman S, Schuman JS, Sigal IA. So-Called Lamina Cribrosa Defects May Mitigate IOP-Induced Neural Tissue Insult. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 61:15. [PMID: 33165501 PMCID: PMC7671862 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.61.13.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose The prevailing theory about the function of lamina cribrosa (LC) connective tissues is that they provide structural support to adjacent neural tissues. Missing connective tissues would compromise this support and therefore are regarded as “LC defects”, despite scarce actual evidence of their role. We examined how so-called LC defects alter IOP-related mechanical insult to the LC neural tissues. Methods We built numerical models incorporating LC microstructure from polarized light microscopy images. To simulate LC defects of varying sizes, individual beams were progressively removed. We then compared intraocular pressure (IOP)-induced neural tissue deformations between models with and without defects. To better understand the consequences of defect development, we also compared neural tissue deformations between models with partial and complete loss of a beam. Results The maximum stretch of neural tissues decreased non-monotonically with defect size. Maximum stretch in the model with the largest defect decreased by 40% in comparison to the model with no defects. Partial loss of a beam increased the maximum stretch of neural tissues in its adjacent pores by 162%, compared with 63% in the model with complete loss of a beam. Conclusions Missing LC connective tissues can mitigate IOP-induced neural tissue insult, suggesting that the role of the LC connective tissues is more complex than simply fortifying against IOP. The numerical models further predict that partial loss of a beam is biomechanically considerably worse than complete loss of a beam, perhaps explaining why defects have been reported clinically but partial beams have not.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew P Voorhees
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Yi Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Bryn L Brazile
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Bingrui Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,School of Mechanical Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Susannah Waxman
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Joel S Schuman
- Department of Ophthalmology, NYU Langone Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States.,Center for Neural Science, New York University, New York, New York, United States.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University Tandon School of Engineering, Brooklyn, New York, United States.,Department of Physiology and Neuroscience, Neuroscience Institute, NYU Langone Health, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States
| | - Ian A Sigal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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Alexander JL, Maripudi S, Kannan K, Drechsler J, Levin MR, Saeedi OJ, Kaleem M, Bazemore M, Karwoski B, Martinez C, Jaafar M, Madigan WP. Semiautomated Assessment of Anterior Segment Structures in Pediatric Glaucoma Using Quantitative Ultrasound Biomicroscopy. J Glaucoma 2021; 30:e222-e226. [PMID: 33596011 PMCID: PMC8261835 DOI: 10.1097/ijg.0000000000001809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
The study was a prospective observational study comparing semiautomated to manual quantitative ultrasound biomicroscopy image analysis among 82 images from 41 eyes of 32 subjects (21 controls and 11 glaucoma) enrolled in the Pediatric Anterior Segment Imaging Innovation Study. Intraclass correlation coefficients and correlation coefficients were >0.8 for all parameters, and comparison of respective analysis speed was 7 times faster for the semiautomated method compared with manual image quantification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet Leath Alexander
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Snehaa Maripudi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Karun Kannan
- Johns Hopkins University, Department of Computer Science and Engineering, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Jennifer Drechsler
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Moran R. Levin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Osamah J. Saeedi
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 419 West Redwood Street, Suite 479, Baltimore, MD 21201
| | - Mona Kaleem
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins University, 3400 N. Charles St., Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Marlet Bazemore
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children’s National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Bethany Karwoski
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children’s National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Camilo Martinez
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children’s National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - Mohamad Jaafar
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children’s National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue, Washington, DC 20010, USA
| | - William Patrick Madigan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children’s National Health System, 111 Michigan Avenue, Washington, DC 20010, USA
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Singh RK, Binette F, Seiler M, Petersen-Jones SM, Nasonkin IO. Pluripotent Stem Cell-Based Organoid Technologies for Developing Next-Generation Vision Restoration Therapies of Blindness. J Ocul Pharmacol Ther 2021; 37:147-156. [PMID: 33052761 PMCID: PMC8060716 DOI: 10.1089/jop.2020.0016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 07/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Blindness, associated with death of retinal cells at the back of the eye, is caused by a number of conditions with high prevalence such as glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy. In addition, a large number of orphan inherited (mostly monogenic) conditions, such as retinitis pigmentosa and Leber Congenital Amaurosis, add to the overall number of patients with blinding retinal degenerative diseases. Blindness caused by deterioration and loss of retina is so far incurable. Modern biomedical research leveraging molecular and regenerative medicine approaches had a number of groundbreaking discoveries and proof-of-principle treatments of blindness in animals. However, these methods are slow to be standardized and commercialized as therapies to benefit people losing their eyesight due to retinal degenerative conditions. In this review, we will outline major regenerative medicine approaches, which are emerging as promising for preserving or/and restoring vision. We discuss the potential of each of these approaches to reach commercialization step and be converted to treatments, which could at least ameliorate blindness caused by retinal cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Magdalene Seiler
- Stem Cell Research Center, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
- Department of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
- Department of Anatomy & Neurobiology, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, California, USA
| | - Simon M. Petersen-Jones
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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Wang B, Hua Y, Brazile BL, Yang B, Sigal IA. Collagen fiber interweaving is central to sclera stiffness. Acta Biomater 2020; 113:429-437. [PMID: 32585309 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2020.06.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The mechanical properties of the microstructural components of sclera are central to eye physiology and pathology. Because these parameters are extremely difficult to measure directly, they are often estimated using inverse-modeling matching deformations of macroscopic samples measured experimentally. Although studies of sclera microstructure show collagen fiber interweaving, current models do not account for this interweaving or the resulting fiber-fiber interactions, which might affect parameter estimates. Our goal was to test the hypothesis that constitutive parameters estimated using inverse modeling differ if models account for fiber interweaving and interactions. We developed models with non-interweaving or interweaving fibers over a wide range of volume fractions (36-91%). For each model, we estimated fiber stiffness using inverse modeling matching biaxial experimental data of human sclera. We found that interweaving increased the estimated fiber stiffness. When the collagen volume fraction was 64% or less, the stiffness of interweaving fibers was about 1.25 times that of non-interweaving fibers. For higher volume fractions, the ratio increased substantially, reaching 1.88 for a collagen volume fraction of 91%. Simulating a model (interweaving/non-interweaving) using the fiber stiffness estimated from the other model produced substantially different behavior, far from that observed experimentally. These results show that estimating microstructural component mechanical properties is highly sensitive to the assumed interwoven/non-interwoven architecture. Moreover, the results suggest that interweaving plays an important role in determining the structural stiffness of sclera, and potentially of other soft tissues in which the collagen fibers interweave. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The collagen fibers of sclera are interwoven, but numerical models do not account for this interweaving or the resulting fiber-fiber interactions. To determine if interweaving matters, we examined the differences in the constitutive model parameters estimated using inverse modeling between models with interweaving and non-interweaving fibers. We found that the estimated stiffness of the interweaving fibers was up to 1.88 times that of non-interweaving fibers, and that the estimate increased with collagen volume fraction. Our results suggest that fiber interweaving is a fundamental characteristic of connective tissues, additional to anisotropy, density and orientation. Better characterization of interweaving, and of its mechanical effects is likely central to understanding microstructure and biomechanics of sclera and other soft tissues.
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35
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Wilson A, Jones J, Tyrer JR, Marshall J. An interferometric ex vivo study of corneal biomechanics under physiologically representative loading, highlighting the role of the limbus in pressure compensation. EYE AND VISION 2020; 7:43. [PMID: 32832574 PMCID: PMC7433364 DOI: 10.1186/s40662-020-00207-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Background The mechanical properties of the cornea are complex and regionally variable. This paper uses an original method to investigate the biomechanics of the cornea in response to hydrostatic loading over the typical physiological range of intra-ocular pressure (IOP) fluctuations thereby increasing understanding of clinically relevant corneal biomechanical properties and their contributions to the refractive properties of the cornea. Methods Displacement speckle pattern interferometry (DSPI) was used to measure the total surface displacement of 40 porcine and 6 human corneal-scleral specimens in response to pressure variations up to 1 mmHg from a baseline of 16.5 mmHg. All specimens were mounted in a modified artificial anterior chamber (AAC) and loaded hydrostatically. Areas of high strain in response to loading were identified by comparing the displacements across different regions. Results The nature of the response of the corneal surface to loading demonstrated high regional topographic variation. Mechanical properties were shown to be asymmetrical, and deformation of the limbal and pre-limbal regions dominated these responses respectively with over 90% (N-T) and 60% (S-I) of the total maximum displacement occurring in these regions indicating high-strain. In contrast, the curvature of the central cornea remained relatively unchanged merely translating in position. Conclusions The limbal and pre-limbal regions of the cornea appear to be fundamental to the absorption of small pressure fluctuations facilitating the curvature of the central cornea to remain relatively unchanged. The differential mechanical properties of this region could have important implications for the application of corneal surgery and corneal crosslinking, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby Wilson
- Wolfson School of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Electrical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - John Jones
- Laser Optical Engineering Ltd., Derbyshire, UK
| | - John R Tyrer
- Wolfson School of Mechanical, Manufacturing and Electrical Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK.,Laser Optical Engineering Ltd., Derbyshire, UK
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36
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Shen Y. Stem cell therapies for retinal diseases: from bench to bedside. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1347-1368. [PMID: 32794020 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01960-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
As the human retina has no regenerative ability, stem cell interventions represent potential therapies for various blinding retinal diseases. This type of therapy has been extensively studied in the human eyes through decades of preclinical studies. The safety profiles shown in clinical trials thus far have indicated that these strategies should be further explored. There are still challenges with regard to cell source, cell delivery, immuno-related adverse events and long-term maintenance of the therapeutic effects. Retinal stem cell therapy is likely to be most successful with a combination of multiple technologies, such as gene therapy. The purpose of this review is to present a synthetical and systematic coverage of stem cell therapies that target retinal diseases from bench to bedside, intending to appeal to both junior specialists and the broader community of clinical investigators alike. This review will only focus on therapies that have already been studied in clinical trials. This review summarizes key concepts, highlights the main studies in human patients and discusses the current challenges and potential methods to reduce safety concerns while enhancing the therapeutic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuening Shen
- Institute of Ophthalmology, University College London , 11-43 Bath St, London, EC1V 9EL, UK. .,Department of Medical Retina, Moorfields Eye Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, 162 City Road, London, EC1V 2PD, UK.
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37
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Characterization of hyperelastic mechanical properties for youth corneal anterior central stroma based on collagen fibril crimping constitutive model. J Mech Behav Biomed Mater 2020; 103:103575. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmbbm.2019.103575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2019] [Revised: 11/03/2019] [Accepted: 11/29/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Grytz R, Yang H, Hua Y, Samuels BC, Sigal IA. Connective Tissue Remodeling in Myopia and its Potential Role in Increasing Risk of Glaucoma. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2020; 15:40-50. [PMID: 32211567 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2020.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Myopia and glaucoma are both increasing in prevalence and are linked by an unknown mechanism as many epidemiologic studies have identified moderate to high myopia as an independent risk factor for glaucoma. Myopia and glaucoma are both chronic conditions that lead to connective tissue remodeling within the sclera and optic nerve head. The mechanobiology underlying connective tissue remodeling differs substantially between both diseases, with different homeostatic control mechanisms. In this article, we discuss similarities and differences between connective tissue remodeling in myopia and glaucoma; selected multi-scale mechanisms that are thought to underlie connective tissue remodeling in both conditions; how asymmetric remodeling of the optic nerve head may predispose a myopic eye for pathological remodeling and glaucoma; and how neural tissue deformations may accumulate throughout both pathologies and increase the risk for mechanical insult of retinal ganglion cell axons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafael Grytz
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Hongli Yang
- Devers Eye Institute, Legacy Health System, Portland, Oregon, United States
| | - Yi Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Brian C Samuels
- Department of Ophthalmology and Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama, United States
| | - Ian A Sigal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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Boote C, Sigal IA, Grytz R, Hua Y, Nguyen TD, Girard MJA. Scleral structure and biomechanics. Prog Retin Eye Res 2019; 74:100773. [PMID: 31412277 DOI: 10.1016/j.preteyeres.2019.100773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As the eye's main load-bearing connective tissue, the sclera is centrally important to vision. In addition to cooperatively maintaining refractive status with the cornea, the sclera must also provide stable mechanical support to vulnerable internal ocular structures such as the retina and optic nerve head. Moreover, it must achieve this under complex, dynamic loading conditions imposed by eye movements and fluid pressures. Recent years have seen significant advances in our knowledge of scleral biomechanics, its modulation with ageing and disease, and their relationship to the hierarchical structure of the collagen-rich scleral extracellular matrix (ECM) and its resident cells. This review focuses on notable recent structural and biomechanical studies, setting their findings in the context of the wider scleral literature. It reviews recent progress in the development of scattering and bioimaging methods to resolve scleral ECM structure at multiple scales. In vivo and ex vivo experimental methods to characterise scleral biomechanics are explored, along with computational techniques that combine structural and biomechanical data to simulate ocular behaviour and extract tissue material properties. Studies into alterations of scleral structure and biomechanics in myopia and glaucoma are presented, and their results reconciled with associated findings on changes in the ageing eye. Finally, new developments in scleral surgery and emerging minimally invasive therapies are highlighted that could offer new hope in the fight against escalating scleral-related vision disorder worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Craig Boote
- Structural Biophysics Research Group, School of Optometry & Vision Sciences, Cardiff University, UK; Ophthalmic Engineering & Innovation Laboratory (OEIL), Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Newcastle Research & Innovation Institute Singapore (NewRIIS), Singapore.
| | - Ian A Sigal
- Laboratory of Ocular Biomechanics, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Rafael Grytz
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, University of Alabama at Birmingham, USA
| | - Yi Hua
- Laboratory of Ocular Biomechanics, Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, USA
| | - Thao D Nguyen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, USA
| | - Michael J A Girard
- Ophthalmic Engineering & Innovation Laboratory (OEIL), Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore; Singapore Eye Research Institute (SERI), Singapore National Eye Centre, Singapore
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40
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Kistenev YV, Vrazhnov DA, Nikolaev VV, Sandykova EA, Krivova NA. Analysis of Collagen Spatial Structure Using Multiphoton Microscopy and Machine Learning Methods. BIOCHEMISTRY (MOSCOW) 2019; 84:S108-S123. [PMID: 31213198 DOI: 10.1134/s0006297919140074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Pathogenesis of many diseases is associated with changes in the collagen spatial structure. Traditionally, the 3D structure of collagen in biological tissues is analyzed using histochemistry, immunohistochemistry, magnetic resonance imaging, and X-radiography. At present, multiphoton microscopy (MPM) is commonly used to study the structure of biological tissues. MPM has a high spatial resolution comparable to histological analysis and can be used for direct visualization of collagen spatial structure. Because of a large volume of data accumulated due to the high spatial resolution of MPM, special analytical methods should be used for identification of informative features in the images and quantitative evaluation of relationship between these features and pathological processes resulting in the destruction of collagen structure. Here, we describe current approaches and achievements in the identification of informative features in the MPM images of collagen in biological tissues, as well as the development on this basis of algorithms for computer-aided classification of collagen structures using machine learning as a type of artificial intelligence methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu V Kistenev
- Tomsk State University, Tomsk, 634050, Russia. .,Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, 634050, Russia.,Institute of Strength Physics and Materials Science, Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk, 634055, Russia
| | - D A Vrazhnov
- Tomsk State University, Tomsk, 634050, Russia.,Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, 634050, Russia
| | - V V Nikolaev
- Tomsk State University, Tomsk, 634050, Russia.,Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, 634050, Russia
| | - E A Sandykova
- Tomsk State University, Tomsk, 634050, Russia.,Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk, 634050, Russia
| | - N A Krivova
- Tomsk State University, Tomsk, 634050, Russia
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Gogola A, Jan NJ, Lathrop KL, Sigal IA. Radial and Circumferential Collagen Fibers Are a Feature of the Peripapillary Sclera of Human, Monkey, Pig, Cow, Goat, and Sheep. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:4763-4774. [PMID: 30304458 PMCID: PMC6166897 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-25025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To test the hypothesis that human, monkey, pig, sheep, cow, and goat eyes exhibit circumferential, radial, and interweaving collagen architecture in the posterior sclera. Methods We analyzed 1,327 cryosections from the posterior poles of 4 human, 4 monkey, 5 pig, 8 sheep, 1 goat, and 2 cow eyes. Images were acquired using polarized light microscopy and processed to obtain polar fiber orientations relative to the center of the canal. Circumferential, radial, and interweaving regions were identified and analyzed for mean fiber orientation and anisotropy and region width and thickness. Results Every eye exhibited circumferential, radial, and interweaving fibers in consistent locations. Radial fibers extended out from near the canal into the peripapillary and peripheral sclera in the innermost sclera. Circumferential fibers were directly adjacent to the canal and most prevalent in the outermost, posterior sclera. Interweaving fibers were found throughout the sclera thickness. Across all species, median anisotropy in the radial, circumferential, and interweaving regions were 0.95, 0.96, and 0.28, respectively. Conclusions Regions of radial, circumferential, and interweaving fibers occur in the posterior pole sclera of human, monkey, pig, sheep, cow, and goat eyes. The consistency across species in scleral architecture suggests that they are primary organizational components whose functions should be better understood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Gogola
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ning-Jiun Jan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Kira L Lathrop
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ian A Sigal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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Brazile BL, Hua Y, Jan NJ, Wallace J, Gogola A, Sigal IA. Thin Lamina Cribrosa Beams Have Different Collagen Microstructure Than Thick Beams. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2019; 59:4653-4661. [PMID: 30372734 PMCID: PMC6149225 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.18-24763] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose To compare the collagen microstructural crimp characteristics between thin and thick lamina cribrosa (LC) beams. Methods Seven eyes from four sheep were fixed at 5 mm Hg IOP in 10% formalin. For each eye, one to three coronal cryosections through the LC were imaged with polarized light microscopy and analyzed to visualize the LC and determine collagen fiber microstructure. For every beam, we measured its width and three characteristics of the crimp of its collagen fibers: waviness, tortuosity, and amplitude. Linear mixed effects models were used to test whether crimp characteristics were associated with the LC beam width. Results For each eye and over all the eyes, LC beam width was positively associated with crimp waviness and tortuosity, and negatively associated with crimp amplitude (P's < 0.0001). Thin beams, average width 13.11 μm, had average (SD) waviness, tortuosity, and amplitude of 0.27 (0.17) radians, 1.017 (0.028) and 1.88 (1.41) μm, respectively. For thick beams, average width 26.10 μm, these characteristics were 0.33 (0.18) radians, 1.025 (0.037) and 1.58 (1.36) μm, respectively. Conclusions Our results suggest heterogeneity in LC beam mechanical properties. Thin beams were less wavy than their thicker counterparts, suggesting that thin beams may stiffen at lower IOP than thick beams. This difference may allow thin beams to support similar amounts of IOP-induced force as thicker beams, thus providing a similar level of structural support to the axons at physiologic IOP, despite the differences in width. Measurements of beam-level mechanical properties are needed to confirm these predictions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryn L Brazile
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Yi Hua
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ning-Jiun Jan
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Jacob Wallace
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Alexandra Gogola
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ian A Sigal
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States.,The Louis J. Fox Center for Vision Restoration of UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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Xie Y, Wang M, Cong Y, Cheng M, Wang S, Wang G. The pilocarpine-induced ciliary body contraction affects the elastic modulus and collagen of cornea and sclera in early development. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 108:1816-1824. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 09/29/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
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Yang B, Brazile B, Jan NJ, Hua Y, Wei J, Sigal IA. Structured polarized light microscopy for collagen fiber structure and orientation quantification in thick ocular tissues. JOURNAL OF BIOMEDICAL OPTICS 2018; 23:1-10. [PMID: 30277032 PMCID: PMC6210789 DOI: 10.1117/1.jbo.23.10.106001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/13/2018] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Collagen is a major constituent of the eye and understanding its architecture and biomechanics is critical to preserve and restore vision. We, recently, demonstrated polarized light microscopy (PLM) as a powerful technique for measuring properties of the collagen fibers of the eye, such as spatial distribution and orientation. Our implementation of PLM, however, required sectioning the tissues for imaging using transmitted light. This is problematic because it limits analysis to thin sections. This is not only slow, but precludes study of dynamic events such as pressure-induced deformations, which are central to the role of collagen. We introduce structured polarized light microscopy (SPLM), an imaging technique that combines structured light illumination with PLM to allow imaging and measurement of collagen fiber properties in thick ocular tissues. Using pig and sheep eyes, we show that SPLM rejects diffuse background light effectively in thick tissues, significantly enhancing visualization of optic nerve head (ONH) structures, such as the lamina cribrosa, and improving the accuracy of the collagen fiber orientation measurements. Further, we demonstrate the integration of SPLM with an inflation device to enable direct visualization, deformation tracking, and quantification of collagen fibers in ONHs while under controlled pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bin Yang
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Bryn Brazile
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ning-Jiun Jan
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Bioengineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Yi Hua
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Junchao Wei
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
| | - Ian A. Sigal
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Department of Ophthalmology, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
- University of Pittsburgh, Department of Bioengineering, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, United States
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