[The Role of Intraoperative Microscope-Integrated OCT in Retinal Surgery. Part 1: Pro]

Novel microscope-integrated OCT now allows targeted intraoperative high-resolution real-time imaging. In comparison to conventional surgical microscopes, intraoperative real-time OCT visualisation of retinal layers and vitreous body provides valuable information for surgical decision-making. In addition, simultaneous OCT imaging of retinal structures displayed within the funduscopic view through the eye-piece of the microscope allows direct guidance of instrument-tissue interaction and surgical manoeuvres. As a result, targeted iOCT imaging enables enhanced precision and the development of real-time guided surgical techniques at micron level.