Self-stabilizing wide-angle contact lens for vitreous surgery.

Abstract

To describe a new self-stabilizing modification for the wide-angle contact lens for vitreoretinal surgery. A standard wide-angle contact lens with the radius of curvature of 7.7 mm is modified with addition of four footplates to facilitate stability and centration. A drop of viscoelastic material is placed between the lens and the cornea. This induces negative suction, which helps to retain the lens in position and allows dynamic viewing of the retina. This specially designed lens reduces the need for a skilled assistant to stabilize the contact lens. It provides a stable, well-centered view of the peripheral fundus during vitreous surgery.