Effects of repeated microwave irradiations to the albino rabbit eye.

Albino rabbits were exposed to repeated microwave irradiations once daily for a month. Clinical examination was carried out for a period up to one year. No changes occurred below 300 mW./cm.2. At and above this level posterior subcapsular iridescence and posterior cortical cataracts were produced. The histologic findings in posterior subcapsular iridescence are presented. It appears that the nonprogressive posterior cortical cataracts are a result of the temperature levels generated by the microwaves in the immediate retrolental area.