Ultrasound elastography for evaluating stiffness of the human lens nucleus with aging:a feasibility study

AIM:To investigate the significance of ultrasound elastography for evaluating stiffness of the human lens nucleus in volunteers with different ages.METHODS:A total of 90 volunteers(lens transparency,uncorrected visual acuity≥0.5,intraocular pressure:14-19 mm Hg)were divided into 3 groups according to age:Group A(30 people,median age:82±3.5 y,mean axial lengths 23.7±0.5 mm);Group B(30 people,median age:46±2.1 y,mean axial lengths 23.9±0.4 mm);and Group C(30 people,median age:22±3.5 y,mean axial lengths 24.0±0.4 mm).Lens nuclear stiffness was measured by Free-hand qualitative elastography by independent operators.Strain gray scale and color-coded elastography maps were recorded.In each case,three consecutive detections were performed and strain ratio was used for statistical analysis.RESULTS:Elastography analysis showed excellent diagnostic performance for lens sclerosis.Lens strain ratio was lowest(0.03±0.01)%in Group A and highest(2.03±0.43)%in Group C.Lens strain ratio was moderate(0.64±0.10)%in Group B.There were significant differences between these three groups(P<0.05).The lens nucleus strain rate changes with age.With aging,the lens nucleus strain rate and resilience decrease,demonstrating harder texture.CONCLUSION:The relationship between human lens stiffness and age is demonstrated by ultrasound elastography.Older age is associated with lower strain ratio and less resilience of the lens.