Development of Robust Corneal Biomechanical Biomarkers for Glaucoma Using Brillouin Microscopy
University of Maryland, Baltimore
Summary
This pilot study evaluates the biomechanical properties of the cornea in glaucoma patients using Brillouin microscopy, a non-contact imaging technique. The study aims to compare corneal stiffness between patients with normal-tension glaucoma, high-tension glaucoma, and healthy controls, and to assess changes in corneal biomechanics following intraocular pressure (IOP)-lowering treatment. The goal is to determine whether Brillouin-derived biomechanical measurements can serve as biomarkers for glaucoma risk and progression.
Description
This study explores the biomechanical properties of the cornea in patients with glaucoma using a novel, non-contact imaging technique called Brillouin microscopy. The technology allows in vivo assessment of tissue stiffness without physical perturbation, potentially offering new insights into glaucoma risk and response to therapy. The study includes two parts: a cross-sectional comparison between patients with normal- and high-tension glaucoma and healthy controls, and a longitudinal analysis of biomechanical changes following IOP-lowering treatment with either prostaglandin analogs or beta b…
Eligibility
- Age range
- 18+ years
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Yes
Inclusion Criteria: \- Age 18 years or older Diagnosis of primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) or no history of glaucoma (for controls) Open angle on gonioscopy (Shaffer grade 3 or 4) Best-corrected visual acuity of 20/25 or better Refractive error between +3.00 and -5.00 diopters No prior use of topical glaucoma medications Diagnosis of: High Tension Glaucoma (IOP ≥ 22 mmHg on 3 visits) Normal Tension Glaucoma (IOP ≤ 21 mmHg on 3 visits) OR age-matched control with normal optic nerve and visual fields Exclusion Criteria: Corneal abnormalities or conditions interfering with Brillouin…
Interventions
- DrugProstaglandin Analogue -Containing IOP-Lowering Therapy
Subjects with glaucoma may be prescribed prostaglandin analogs as part of their clinical care. This group will be observed longitudinally to assess changes in corneal biomechanics.
- DrugBeta Blocker
Subjects with glaucoma may be prescribed topical beta blockers as part of their clinical care. This group will be observed longitudinally to assess changes in corneal biomechanics.
- DeviceBrillouin Microscopy
Brillouin microscopy is a non-contact optical imaging method used to assess the biomechanical properties of the cornea in vivo with three-dimensional resolution. It will be used to evaluate corneal stiffness in all study subjects.
Location
- University of Maryland School of MedicineBaltimore, Maryland