Thermal cataract formation in rabbits.
Intraocularly circulating hot water was used to produce cataracts in nine eyes of seven rabbits by maintaining their retrolental temperatures between 43 degrees C and 45 degrees C. A rapid rate of heating (1.3 degrees C/min) plus a sharp temperature gradient across the eye may have been contributing factors in the consistent production of cataracts at these temperatures. Biomicroscopy and light microscopy showed lens changes similar to those associated with acute exposure to microwave radiation. These findings support the assumption that microwave cataractogenesis is due to the local production of elevated temperatures.
Ophthalmology Service, Pacific Medical Center, Seattle, WA 98144.
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Kramár
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Harris
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Guy
D000818:Animals; D001831:Body Temperature; D002386:Cataract / Q000209:etiology*; D006358:Hot Temperature / Q000009:adverse effects*; D007908:Lens, Crystalline / Q000473:pathology / Q000528:radiation effects; D008872:Microwaves / Q000009:adverse effects; D011817:Rabbits