Mechanical changes of the crystalline lens in oxidative cataractogenesis assessed with optical coherence elastography

Age-related cataract is one of the most prevalent causes of visual impairment worldwide. Early detection of cataracts can be immensely helpful for preserving visual acuity by ensuring that the appropriate therapeutic procedures are performed at earlier stages of the disease. In this work, we investigated the relationship between the progression of oxidative cataract and the biomechanical properties of the crystalline lens. We assessed the changes in the stiffness induced by cataracts in porcine lenses in vitro with dynamic optical coherence elastography. The efficacy of alpha-lipoic acid to minimize the stiffening of the lens was also quantified. The results showed a significant increase in Young's modulus of the lens due to the formation of the oxidative cataract (from similar to 8 kPa to similar to 123 kPa). Young's moduli of the lenses decreased after incubation in alpha-Lipoic Acid (similar to 123 kPa vs similar to 45 kPa). These results show that the lens stiffness increased during oxidative cataract formation and that alpha-lipoic acid has the potential to reduce the stiffening of the lens caused by the oxidative damage.