Scleral strength impairment and recovery after diathermy.

Compression force rupture experiments were conducted in dog eyes at varying time intervals after scleral diathermy to determine the time variable of scleral weakening and recovery. The sclera was weakened immediately after the diathermy, and there was progressive further weakening for three weeks and then gradual partial recovery to 60% of control eye strength at eight months, at which point the experiment was terminated.