Review of ex-vivo characterisation of corneal biomechanics

The evaluation of the corneal biomechanical behaviour has important clinical applications. To name a few, the accuracy of the intraocular pressure measurement, the study of corneal ectatic diseases and the assessment and optimisation of corneal surgical procedures are all highly influenced by corneal biomechanics. Over the last 45 years different ex-vivo methods were developed to study corneal biomechanical behaviour. Different tissue maintenance, support, loading systems, as well as different monitoring strategies of corneal deformations were employed. In this review, the most important and commonly used methods are outlined, including strip extensiometry, inflation, compression, indentation and tissue separation testing. Their particularities, applications, pros and cons and main applications are discussed.