Corneal biomechanical properties are useful for the diagnosis of ocular diseases and monitoring of therapeutic interventions. Elastography is one method of assessing corneal biomechanical properties but typically relies on an active source of displacement. Here, we present a passive elastography technique known as heartbeat optical coherence elastography (Hb-OCE), where corneal stiffness is quantified by measuring its response to the ocular pulse. The technique was performed before and after crosslinking, which stiffens the cornea. First, Hb-OCE was performed in situ to assess the feasibility of the technique. Next, the technique was performed in vivo, suggesting that Hb-OCE may be feasible for clinical assessment of corneal stiffness without the need for any contact or external excitation.
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