This invention is a thermo-keratoplasty system and method for locally heatingand reshaping a cornea in a manner that produces aminimal regression of the corneal correction. The system includes a probe (12)that is coupled to a power source which can provide currentat a predetermined power, frequency and time duration. The probe (12) has asharp tip (36) that is inserted into the stroma of the cornea(48). The tip has an insulated stop that controls the depth of tippenetration. Current flows into the cornea through the probe tip to locallyheat and denature the corneal tissue. The denatured tissue causes a subsequentshrinkage of the cornea. A pattern of denatured areas canbe created around the cornea to correct the vision of the eye.
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