Keratoconus is a progressive corneal disorder characterized by localized thinning and steepening at the apex, leading to significant biomechanical changes that compromise structural integrity and vision. This study integrates shear wave elastography (SWE) and finite element modeling (FEM) to investigate the biomechanical alterations in keratoconus corneas compared to healthy ones. Shear wave velocity and apex deformation were analyzed under varying material properties, corneal thickness, and intraocular pressure (IOP). Results revealed that keratoconus significantly reduces shear wave velocity at the apex, reflecting a loss of stiffness, while apex deformation increased, correlating with disease severity. These findings highlight the potential of SWE and FEM as complementary diagnostic tools for early detection and monitoring of keratoconus progression. The proposed framework also supports the optimization of therapeutic interventions, such as corneal cross-linking, through patient-specific biomechanical modeling. This study underscores the importance of integrating advanced diagnostic techniques to improve outcomes in keratoconus management.
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