Effect of Hydration on the Brillouin Spectra of Human Corneal Lamella

The elastic properties of human corneal lamellas with varying degrees of hydration were examined using Brillouin spectroscopy. The findings indicate that hydration significantly influences the elastic properties of the cornea, surpassing the effects of treatments with ultraviolet light or riboflavin. The relationship between the modulus of elasticity and hydration can be described by a two-component model that incorporates the additive contribution of compliance. This model reveals two distinct linear regions, wherein the observed change in slope is attributed to variations in the compliance of collagen, likely resulting from the evaporation of water from the collagen fibrils.