Age-Related Variation in the Biomechanical and Structural Properties of the Corneo-Scleral Tunic

摘要: With increasing age, the mechanical performance of cornea and sclera is impaired due to structural changes in major proteins, namely collagens , proteoglycans elastin. In addition, level hydration ocular tunic decreases over time. These profoundly impact on biomechanical properties corneo-scleral tunic. This chapter focuses that occur with age. The techniques are utilized order determine both discussed, a comprehensive review studies which have characterized age-related biomechanics presented. found increase stiffness age all characteristics viscoelastic behavior (creep stress-relaxation hysteresis) decrease Similarly, increases markedly although reported magnitude stiffening varies significantly from one study another. may be related variations amongst different been utilized. Increased strongly associated collagen crosslinking occurs as part natural aging process.