Evaluation and comparison of lens and peripheral retinal relationships with the use of endolaser probe and newly designed curved vitrectomy probe.

Abstract

To evaluate and compare the relationships between the posterior surface of the crystalline lens and peripheral retina with the use of curved vitrectomy instruments. Specially designed curved endolaser and vitrectomy probes were compared with conventional straight probes through sclerotomy sites at 3.0 mm and 4.0 mm, in 12 fresh cadaver phakic eyes. For the safety profile, the perpendicular distance between the probe oriented toward a reference point on the retina and the midpoint of the posterior surface of the lens was measured. For access to the retinal periphery, the distance between the ora serrata and the most peripheral accessible point on the retina without touching the crystalline lens with the probes was measured. The perpendicular distance between the probe and posterior surface of the lens increased, and the ability of the probe to reach the most peripheral accessible point on the retina improved with the curved probes as compared with straight probes. Curved probes can access the peripheral retina and ora serrata with lesser possibility to injure the crystalline lens during vitreous surgery than the standard straight probes.