Changes in Corneal Curvature and Histopathology following Scleral Cauterization in Rabbits

ABSTRACT

This study was carried out to evaluate the effect of cauterization on histopathology of sclera and corneal astigmatism. All rabbit eyes had corneal steepening in the vertical meridian after cauterization. The greatest astigmatism was noticed immediately after cauterized eyes and then was reduced gradually for a period of 2 months. Under light microscope, necrosis of collagen fibrils and inflammatory cells were found immediately after cauterization of the eyes. After 2 months, treated sclera was recovered to normal structure. Under electron microscope, tissue defect was found immediately after cauterization. At the 1st month, tissue defect was replaced by small collagen fibrils, however, these changes were much improved during a period of 2 months. This study suggest that gradual loss of corneal astigmatism following cauterization was correlated with the histopathologic healing process of cauterization. The author recommends usage of the lightest and briefest application of wet field bipolar cautery at the lowest power setting capable of achieving hemostasis for minimal astigmatism.