Abstract

The cornea is the single human tissue being transparent. This unique property may be explained by the particular structure of the cornea, but the precise role of each of its constituents remains unsolved. On other matter, prior to corneal transplant, graft must be evaluated during a sorting procedure where a technician assesses of its transparency quality. Nevertheless, this criterion remains subjective and qualitative.

This study proposes to combine 3D imagery using Full-Field Optical Coherence Tomography jointly with angular resolved scattering measurement to achieve a quantitative transparency characterization of the cornea. The OCT provides micrometric resolution structural information about the cornea, and we observe the evolution occurring when oedema develops within the tissue. Scattering properties are evaluated and compared parallely, as the transparency of the graft.

A close link between the scattering intensity level of the cornea and its thickness is highlighted through this study. Furthermore, the three-dimensional imagery offers a view over the structural modifications leading to a change in transparency, and the combination with scattering properties measurement provides clues over the characteristic scale of scatterers to consider for a better understanding of corneal transparency evolution.

Achieving an objective and quantified parameter for the transparency would be helpful for a more efficient corneal graft sorting, and may be able to detect the presence of localized wounds as the ones related to a previous refractive surgery. However, the study of graft nearly eligible for corneal transplant would be needed to confirm the results this study presents.

© 2011 OSA/SPIE