Atomic Force Microscopy Measurement of the Elastic Properties of the Lens

by Ziebarth, Noel Marysa

The goal of this project was to develop techniques and instrumentation to measure the elastic properties of the lens and lens capsule in situ and their changes with age using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). The studies include the construction, characterization, and calibration of laboratory-based Atomic Force Microscope (AFM) to measure mechanical properties of ophthalmic tissues. Atomic Force Microscopy is a nanoscale imaging technique that has been applied to mechanical property measurement through nanoindentation. Youngs modulus of elasticity is determined by monitoring the cantilever deflections when it contacts the sample. The studies also include the development of tissue preparation techniques to enable measurement of the lens elasticity using AFM. This study found that lens capsule elasticity decreases with age, outer lens cortex elasticity remains constant with age, and the inner lens cortex is stiffer than the outer lens cortex. The effect of the changing biometry and mechanical properties with age was investigated by developing a mathematical model of accommodation. These changes will be the limiting factor to accommodative amplitude. Changes in lens capsule mechanical properties will affect the maximal accommodative amplitude in older eyes.