title: Microwave thermal keratoplasty for myopia: keratoscopic evaluation in porcine eyes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Microwave thermal keratoplasty applies microwave energy to elevate the temperature of the paracentral stroma of the cornea to its thermal shrinkage temperature of about 60 degrees C. A suitable pattern of shrinkage in the paracentral cornea can flatten the central cornea. A surface cooling system preserves the epithelium during the procedure.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fourteen enucleated porcine eyes were treated with a prototype microwave thermal keratoplasty applicator that heated in a ring pattern with inner diameter of 3.2 mm and width of 0.7 mm. The change in corneal power was quantified by a videokeratoscope. Slit-lamp microscope examinations and histological assessments were made.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The 3-mm simulated keratometry reading showed an average of 6.60+/-6.00 D (standard deviation) of flattening. The region of opacity associated with shrinkage extended to 62% (+/-26%) of the corneal thickness. The epithelium was intact in all eyes.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Microwave thermal keratoplasty applied in the paracentral cornea may flatten the central cornea.
authors.affiliation: Thayer School of Engineering, Dartmouth College, Hanover, New Hampshire 03755, USA.
authors.forename: B S
authors.initials: BS
authors.lastname: Trembly
authors.forename: N
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Hashizume
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Moodie
authors.forename: K L
authors.initials: KL
authors.lastname: Cohen
authors.forename: N K
authors.initials: NK
authors.lastname: Tripoli
authors.forename: P J
authors.initials: PJ
authors.lastname: Hoopes
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003319:Corneal Stroma / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D019781:Corneal Topography; D004564:Electrocoagulation / Q000379:methods*; D008872:Microwaves; D008954:Models, Biological; D009216:Myopia / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D013552:Swine; D016896:Treatment Outcome