[Value of Intraoperative OCT in Retinal Surgery. Part 2: Contra]

One of the most controversial discussions in retinal surgery is currently being held about the importance of intraoperative OCT (iOCT). The background is the desire to combine the 2-dimensional fundus view of the surgeon with the layered depth information of OCT to achieve a 4-dimensional "augmented reality" (3-D plus change over time). This should help to visualise fine structures, which have been hidden from the surgeon's view. Therefore, retinal surgery seems to be predestined for the use of iOCT. The great hope is that a dynamic live 3-D image with real-time feedback will provide the surgeon with additional information and improve safety. Although fascinating at the first glance, in the surgical routine, however, iOCT technology is disappointing, especially in macular surgery. It rarely provides substantial information that would not be obtainable without iOCT or that would not be available in much better quality through preoperative diagnostic testing. Only some special indications remain, particularly related to subretinal surgery.