Understanding the biomechanical role of limbus using optical coherence elastography

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the changes in elasticity of the corneo-scleral limbus when the eye-globe is subjected to different intraocular pressures. Continuous elastic waves were mechanically induced in the sclera and imaged using a phase-sensitive optical coherence tomography system. Experimental results showed a marked heterogeneity of wave speed across the corneal-limbal-scleral region, which increased as a function of IOP. The conclusion of this study reveals that the corneo-scleral limbus tissue is more mechanically nonlinear compared to the cornea and sclera. This suggests that limbus acts as a supporting and accommodating mechanical structure for the cornea.