Reshaping the cat corneal anterior surface using a high-speed diamond fraise

A specially-designed diamond fraise was used on three cats in an attempt to change the anterior corneal surface. After controlled grinding at 30,000 revolutions per minute, healing was rapid. By specular microscopy, there was no evidence of endothelial damage. Examination revealed areas with a defect in the anterior stroma and slightly thickened epithelium. Some superficial vascular ingrowth did occur in the three eyes when healing was slow. This study shows the feasibility of corneal grinding; a prototype instrument is suggested for superficial keratectomy.