[A new method for examining the vitreous body: the E1 Bayadi-Kajiura lens]

Vitreous examination is an important component of diagnosing and managing vitreoretinal disease, but the relative transparency of vitreous makes its examination difficult. Study of the vitreous is facilitated by the use of a biomicroscope to create an optical section and appropriate lenses to neutralize or modify the dioptric power of the eye. This article describes the vitreous examination using the preset El Bayadi-Kajiura lens, stretching the advantages and accuracy of this method. This lens is a +58,6 diopter preset lens producing an inverted real image between the slit lamp and the preset lens. This precorneal positive-diopter lens increase the refractive power of the eye, thus permitting biomicroscopic viewing of an ariel image, similar to the principle of indirect ophthalmoscopy. The major advantage compared to the Goldmann lens is the better visualisation of complex posterior vitreoretinal relationships, allowed by larger image, large illumination-observation angle and lower level of distortion and glare. The Goldmann lens permits a comprehensive intraocular examination, whereas with the EBK lens, observation and documentation of vitroretinal structures are limited to within 50 degrees of the fovea. Thus, the Goldmann lens is essential to evaluate more peripheral vitreous pathology. The Goldmann lens is more accurate in evaluating the presence of cells in the vitreous, which could be due to greater magnification. In a comprehensive examination of the vitreous, the Goldmann and EBK lenses are complementary. The latter is optimal for viewing complex posterior vitreous pathology; the former is necessary for viewing the peripheral vitreous. Photographic documentation of vitreoretinal relationship is better with the EBK than with the Goldmann lens.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)