The Application of Terahertz Technology in Corneas and Corneal Diseases: A Systematic Review

Terahertz (THz) waves reside in the electromagnetic spectrum between the microwave and infrared bands. In recent decades, THz technology has demonstrated its potential for biomedical applications. With the highly unique characteristics of THz waves, such as the high sensitivity to water and optimal...

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Main Authors: Bing Jie Chow, Chang Liu, Mingyi Yu, Isabelle Xin Yu Lee, Jodhbir S. Mehta, Qing Yang Steve Wu, Regina Wong Kay Ting, Ke Lin, Yu-Chi Liu
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: MDPI AG 2025-01-01
Series:Bioengineering
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Online Access:https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/12/1/45
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author Bing Jie Chow
Chang Liu
Mingyi Yu
Isabelle Xin Yu Lee
Jodhbir S. Mehta
Qing Yang Steve Wu
Regina Wong Kay Ting
Ke Lin
Yu-Chi Liu
author_facet Bing Jie Chow
Chang Liu
Mingyi Yu
Isabelle Xin Yu Lee
Jodhbir S. Mehta
Qing Yang Steve Wu
Regina Wong Kay Ting
Ke Lin
Yu-Chi Liu
author_sort Bing Jie Chow
collection DOAJ
description Terahertz (THz) waves reside in the electromagnetic spectrum between the microwave and infrared bands. In recent decades, THz technology has demonstrated its potential for biomedical applications. With the highly unique characteristics of THz waves, such as the high sensitivity to water and optimal spatial resolution coupled with the characteristics of the human cornea, such as its high water content, THz technology has been explored as a potential modality to assess corneas and corneal diseases. This systematic review provides an overview of the characteristics of THz waves, the safety profile of THz technology in the field of ophthalmology, and its clinical applications, including the objective evaluation of the corneal hydration, tear film, dry eye disease, corneal endothelium, corneal elasticity, and scarring. The paper also presents our viewpoint on the present challenges and future directions of THz technology prior to its broader integration into clinical practice.
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issn 2306-5354
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series Bioengineering
spelling doaj-art-62726572bcef4994a4b93b1f92fbd84e2025-01-24T13:23:04ZengMDPI AGBioengineering2306-53542025-01-011214510.3390/bioengineering12010045The Application of Terahertz Technology in Corneas and Corneal Diseases: A Systematic ReviewBing Jie Chow0Chang Liu1Mingyi Yu2Isabelle Xin Yu Lee3Jodhbir S. Mehta4Qing Yang Steve Wu5Regina Wong Kay Ting6Ke Lin7Yu-Chi Liu8Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AD, UKTissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, SingaporeTissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, SingaporeTissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, SingaporeTissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, SingaporeInstitute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138634, SingaporeTissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, SingaporeInstitute of Materials Research and Engineering, Agency for Science, Technology and Research, Singapore 138634, SingaporeTissue Engineering and Cell Therapy Group, Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore 169856, SingaporeTerahertz (THz) waves reside in the electromagnetic spectrum between the microwave and infrared bands. In recent decades, THz technology has demonstrated its potential for biomedical applications. With the highly unique characteristics of THz waves, such as the high sensitivity to water and optimal spatial resolution coupled with the characteristics of the human cornea, such as its high water content, THz technology has been explored as a potential modality to assess corneas and corneal diseases. This systematic review provides an overview of the characteristics of THz waves, the safety profile of THz technology in the field of ophthalmology, and its clinical applications, including the objective evaluation of the corneal hydration, tear film, dry eye disease, corneal endothelium, corneal elasticity, and scarring. The paper also presents our viewpoint on the present challenges and future directions of THz technology prior to its broader integration into clinical practice.https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/12/1/45terahertzcorneascorneal hydrationcorneal scarsdry eye
spellingShingle Bing Jie Chow
Chang Liu
Mingyi Yu
Isabelle Xin Yu Lee
Jodhbir S. Mehta
Qing Yang Steve Wu
Regina Wong Kay Ting
Ke Lin
Yu-Chi Liu
The Application of Terahertz Technology in Corneas and Corneal Diseases: A Systematic Review
Bioengineering
terahertz
corneas
corneal hydration
corneal scars
dry eye
title The Application of Terahertz Technology in Corneas and Corneal Diseases: A Systematic Review
title_full The Application of Terahertz Technology in Corneas and Corneal Diseases: A Systematic Review
title_fullStr The Application of Terahertz Technology in Corneas and Corneal Diseases: A Systematic Review
title_full_unstemmed The Application of Terahertz Technology in Corneas and Corneal Diseases: A Systematic Review
title_short The Application of Terahertz Technology in Corneas and Corneal Diseases: A Systematic Review
title_sort application of terahertz technology in corneas and corneal diseases a systematic review
topic terahertz
corneas
corneal hydration
corneal scars
dry eye
url https://www.mdpi.com/2306-5354/12/1/45
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