Thermal effects on cornea during keratoconus treatment

Abstract

Keratoconus is characterized by stromal thinning that leads to corneal surface distortion. It causes nanofibrils become weaker and change in cornea's shape. Cornea leans out. Symptoms such as astigmatism appeared as a result of this illness. There is a method to cure keratoconus by using photoinitiator in order to create cross-links (CXL). As a photoinitiator, Riboflavin is used to increase chemical bonds between nano dimensional fibrils inside the cornea. By the help of these technique widen fibrils are repaired and the operation is done. However, temperature increases during this treatment, it is important to stop this temperature increase to prevent chemical burn and edema. By using Bioheat equation, it is possible to see the thermal effects on cornea and provide techniques to stop the temperature increase. Also, physical parameters about cornea were clarified to contribute the literature.