The effect of vibration on vision during microsurgery

This study was initiated to assess the effects of vibrating optics on a microsurgeon's ability to visualize. The results have led to criteria of image displacement versus frequency which could be applied to the design of a surgical-microscope mounting system. To provide minimum added strain to the microsurgeon, the ideal microscope mounting system should not transmit vibration from the hospital environment to the microscope optics at a level that is detectable by the visual system of the surgeon. This can be avoided by isolating the microscope mounting system from the vibratory environment of the hospital and by designing the microscope support system to minimize vibrations at frequencies that are most readily detectable by the human visual system.