Illuminated artificial orbit for the training of vitreoretinal surgery in vitro

Demonstrations and practical experiments are important constituents of the teaching of surgical principles and techniques to residents in ophthalmology. The objective was to develop an eye-support device for experimental and didactic use during vitreoretinal microsurgery in vitro.

Various eye-support devices with different light sources and illumination intensities were designed and tested. The main components of the final prototype are a high-intensity halogen lamp, a flexible light guide, a cylinder with a mirror inside, and a replaceable, transparent eye support with a ring-adapter. Light from the point source is reflected via the light guide into the cylinder and through the eye support transsclerally into the eye.

The device illuminates the retina and the vitreous body sufficiently. It accentuates the transparent appearance of the retina and makes the three-dimensional structure more visible, for example, in case of retinal detachment. Subretinal tissue can be visualized and differentiated more precisely.

The device is useful, in the teaching of residents and in experimental vitreoretinal surgery.