Corneal rust removal by electric drill. Clinical trial by comparison with manual removal.

The dental burr rotated by an electric drill is the quickest, safest, and most precise form of treatment for corneal rust rings. It enables complete removal of the corneal rust at a single treatment and leaves a smooth crater that is no larger than the original rust ring. Pain relief is more rapid after electric drill removal; this is probably related to the complete removal of the rust. Epithelial and stromal healing are marginally faster than after manual removal and the patients' duration of attendance is less. The ideal drill is a slim straight instrument, which rotates dental burrs and is operated by a light finger pressure. A brake which stops drill rotation on lifting the finger is a useful safety feature.