Cataract surgery

Cataract surgery

When Every Second Counts

Cataract surgery is one of the most common surgical procedures performed. In modern eye clinics, several patients are operated on daily, so the workflow must be efficient. During phacoemulsification, the cloudy lens is fragmented and aspirated, followed by the implantation of an artificial intraocular lens. It may sound straightforward, but the procedure requires the utmost precision in a confined space.

The operating microscope is more than just a magnifying tool. It sets the pace of the operation. How quickly can you move between different steps? How well can you see the fine structures of the anterior chamber? And how ergonomically can you work for hours on end without incurring neck strain?

Coaxial illumination for perfect red reflex

The core of successful cataract surgery is illumination. All Karl Kaps ophthalmic microscopes use coaxial illumination, where the light and observation beam run along the same axis. The advantage is obvious: You see a brilliant red reflex that makes every layer of the lens visible. During the capsulorhexis, you can precisely identify where the anterior capsule ends. During phacoemulsification, you can clearly see how the lens fragments behave.

The coaxial arrangement ensures shadow-free illumination without disruptive reflections. The built-in retina protection filter GG 475 shields the patient’s eye from harmful radiation, with UV and IR filters forming part of the standard equipment. For specific indications, you can switch in additional filters, such as the yellow filter for better contrast.

Workflow optimisation in high-volume operations

In well-organised centres, only ten minutes often pass between two cataract surgeries. The microscope needs to keep up. The motorised XY coupling positions the head over the new patient within seconds. The centre button on advanced models automatically moves it to the central position, from where you can move into the working position with a few joystick movements.

The motorised zoom allows seamless magnification adjustments without taking your eyes off the surgical field. From making the incision to phacoemulsification to IOL implantation, you change magnification several times. With foot control panel operation, your workflow remains uninterrupted, keeping both hands on the patient.

Coaxial illumination for perfect red reflex

The core of successful cataract surgery is illumination. All Karl Kaps ophthalmic microscopes use coaxial illumination, where the light and observation beam run along the same axis. The advantage is obvious: You see a brilliant red reflex that makes every layer of the lens visible. During the capsulorhexis, you can precisely identify where the anterior capsule ends. During phacoemulsification, you can clearly see how the lens fragments behave.

The coaxial arrangement ensures shadow-free illumination without disruptive reflections. The built-in retina protection filter GG 475 shields the patient’s eye from harmful radiation, with UV and IR filters forming part of the standard equipment. For specific indications, you can switch in additional filters, such as the yellow filter for better contrast.

Workflow optimisation in high-volume operations

In well-organised centres, only ten minutes often pass between two cataract surgeries. The microscope needs to keep up. The motorised XY coupling positions the head over the new patient within seconds. The centre button on advanced models automatically moves it to the central position, from where you can move into the working position with a few joystick movements.

The motorised zoom allows seamless magnification adjustments without taking your eyes off the surgical field. From making the incision to phacoemulsification to IOL implantation, you change magnification several times. With foot control panel operation, your workflow remains uninterrupted, keeping both hands on the patient.

Rapid Patient Turnover

Only minutes often pass between procedures. The motorised XY coupling positions the microscope head in seconds over the next patient. The centre button automatically moves it to the mid-position, from where you can quickly get into your working position with a few adjustments.

Brilliant Red Reflex for Every Lens Structure

The coaxial illumination produces a bright red reflex, making every layer and detail of the lens visible. During capsulorhexis, you can precisely see the capsule margins, and during phacoemulsification, you recognise the behaviour of each lens fragment.

Uninterrupted Workflow

The motorised control via footswitch keeps your hands sterile in the operating field. You adjust focus and XY position with your foot, without taking your eyes off the surgical field. No need to reach for adjustment dials, no workflow interruption.

Ergonomics for Long Surgery Days

The binocular inclined or swivel tube significantly relieves neck muscles. This makes a difference, especially with several operations each day. Every surgeon finds their optimal viewing position, regardless of their height.

Memory for Various Surgical Situations

The SOM4OPHT stores five different settings. Standard cataract, complex anterior segment surgery, combined procedures – each situation gets its own preset button. With a single press, all parameters are adjusted again.

Recommended Models

Recommended Models

SOM 62 Ophthal Basic+

Ideal for routine cataract surgeries. The additional motorised XY-coupling makes the difference: With a 50x50mm range of movement, you can reposition the microscope head swiftly without having to move the support arm. The enhanced foot control panel operates both focus and the XY-axis, ensuring your hands remain sterile at the surgical site.

The 5-stage magnification changer offers various magnification levels for all stages of the surgery. The coaxial cold light fibre-optics with 15V/150W provides a brilliant red reflex that illuminates every layer of the lens. The binocular inclined tube at 60° reduces neck strain, even during multiple surgeries a day.

Technical specifications:

  • Magnification: 5-stage changer, apochromatically corrected

  • Tube: Binocular inclined tube 60°

  • Objective: f=200mm

  • Fine focusing: 40mm motorised

  • XY-coupling: 50x50mm motorised via foot control panel

  • Illumination: 15V/150W coaxial cold light fibre-optics

  • Filter: Retina protection filter GG 475, UV and IR filter

  • Control: Advanced foot control panel for focus and XY

SOM4OPHT

The new flagship for high-volume centres with specific requirements. The separate LED red reflex illumination introduces a new level of quality: You control coaxial field of view and red reflex illumination independently via an intelligent touchpad. The memory function stores five different settings, allowing you to switch between them at the touch of a button. Standard cataract with IOL implantation in the morning, complex cases in the afternoon? Every situation has its own preset button.

The motorised zoom at a ratio of 1:6 provides continuous magnification precisely when you need it. The extended XY coupling with a 62x62mm movement range and the centre button noticeably speeds up patient turnover. The true stereo observer enables 3D participation for the entire operating team.

Technical Specifications:

  • Magnification: Motorised zoom 1:6

  • Tubus: Binocular swivel tubus 0-210°

  • Fine focus: 50mm motorised with adaptive speed control

  • XY coupling: 62x62mm motorised

  • Illumination: LED coaxial for field of view + separate LED red reflex illumination

  • Filter: Green filter (red-free), orange filter (blue-blocking), blue filter

  • Memory function: 5 memory slots

  • Control: Intelligent touchpad with speed control

  • Center function: Automatic reset to centre position



Additional Applications

Additional Applications

Discover which microscope is best suited for each application