Corneal Procedures

Corneal Procedures

Corneal procedures involve operating on the cornea, the clear window of the eye. In a corneal transplant, you replace cloudy or scarred tissue with a clear graft. PTK, phototherapeutic keratectomy, removes corneal layers. Keratoplasty includes various techniques from penetrating to lamellar transplantation.

The challenge lies in the transparency of the cornea: you are operating on a transparent structure, making depth perception difficult. The lighting must be perfect; too much light dazzles, too little and details disappear. The magnification must be high enough to set the finest stitches, yet you need an overview of the entire cornea.

Coaxial Illumination for Transparent Structures

The coaxial arrangement of light and observation beam is crucial for corneal work. Light and observation beam run on the same axis, allowing you to see the corneal layers optimally illuminated. The red reflex assists you in estimating depth and distinguishing between different layers.

During corneal transplants, you switch between recipient and donor corneas. The coaxial illumination highlights every irregularity. When trepanning, you clearly see where the incision is made. When sewing, you precisely identify where the needle must enter. The retina protection filter GG 475 protects the eye from harmful radiation, even during longer procedures.

Depth of Focus for Various Corneal Layers

In lamellar keratoplasty, you work within various corneal layers. The enhanced fine focusing provides you with the necessary scope to depict each layer sharply. You focus from the epithelial layer to the endothelium; everything must be visible clearly and in detail.

The motor control via footswitch allows you to refocus during the operation without putting down the instruments. At DMEK or DSAEK, where you are working on the posterior corneal layers, the enhanced focusing makes all the difference.

Motorised Zoom for Various Operation Phases

In complex corneal operations, you repeatedly change magnification. In penetrating keratoplasty, start with low magnification for trepanation, then zoom in for fine stitching. In lamellar keratoplasty, you need high magnification for the layer preparation, lower for the overview.

The motorised zoom provides you with continuous magnification precisely when you need it. The footswitch control keeps your hands sterile at the operation field, ensuring an uninterrupted workflow.

Coaxial Illumination for Transparent Structures

The coaxial arrangement of light and observation beam is crucial for corneal work. Light and observation beam run on the same axis, allowing you to see the corneal layers optimally illuminated. The red reflex assists you in estimating depth and distinguishing between different layers.

During corneal transplants, you switch between recipient and donor corneas. The coaxial illumination highlights every irregularity. When trepanning, you clearly see where the incision is made. When sewing, you precisely identify where the needle must enter. The retina protection filter GG 475 protects the eye from harmful radiation, even during longer procedures.

Depth of Focus for Various Corneal Layers

In lamellar keratoplasty, you work within various corneal layers. The enhanced fine focusing provides you with the necessary scope to depict each layer sharply. You focus from the epithelial layer to the endothelium; everything must be visible clearly and in detail.

The motor control via footswitch allows you to refocus during the operation without putting down the instruments. At DMEK or DSAEK, where you are working on the posterior corneal layers, the enhanced focusing makes all the difference.

Motorised Zoom for Various Operation Phases

In complex corneal operations, you repeatedly change magnification. In penetrating keratoplasty, start with low magnification for trepanation, then zoom in for fine stitching. In lamellar keratoplasty, you need high magnification for the layer preparation, lower for the overview.

The motorised zoom provides you with continuous magnification precisely when you need it. The footswitch control keeps your hands sterile at the operation field, ensuring an uninterrupted workflow.

Optimal Illumination of Transparent Structures

The coaxial lighting makes each corneal layer visible. The red reflex assists you in recognising depth and layer boundaries. When trephining, you see the exact incision line; when suturing, the precise entry point.

Quick Transition Between Recipient and Donor

The motorised XY coupling positions the microscope over the relevant surgical field in seconds. During corneal transplants, you frequently switch between both corneas, and any delay interrupts the flow.

Enhanced Fine Focusing for Lamellar Keratoplasty

The 50mm range on the SOM4OPHT provides more flexibility during lamellar keratoplasty. You focus from the epithelial layer to the endothelium, with each layer sharply defined. No loss of image quality even at extreme focus positions.

Memory for Various Keratoplasty Procedures

Penetrating keratoplasty, DMEK, and DSAEK require different settings. The memory function stores five configurations. With a single button press, magnification, light intensity, and focus position are adjusted for the respective procedure.

Stereo Observer for Precise Sutures

The genuine stereo observer of the SOM4OPHT enables spatial participation for the surgical team. The assistant sees exactly where the needle needs to be applied and can pass instruments optimally. In critical sutures, that is invaluable.

Recommended Models

Recommended Models

SOM 62 Ophthal Basic+

Ideal for corneal transplants with frequent switching between recipient and donor cornea. The motorised XY coupling with a 50x50mm movement range quickly positions the microscope head over the relevant surgical field. You control it via the foot control panel, keeping your hands sterile. The coaxial illumination reveals every irregularity of the cornea.

The five-position magnification changer offers different magnification levels for all stages of the operation. The motorised fine focusing with 40mm travel is sufficient for all common corneal procedures. The binocular inclined tube at 60° ensures a comfortable working posture throughout the entire operation duration.

The coaxial cold light fibre optics with 15V/150W provides even illumination. The retina protection filter GG 475 safeguards the eye from harmful radiation. UV and IR filters are permanently installed.

Technical Specifications:

  • Magnification: five-position changer, apochromatically corrected

  • Tube: Binocular inclined tube at 60°

  • Fine focusing: 40mm motorised

  • XY coupling: 50x50mm motorised via foot control panel

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

  • Filters: Retina protection filter GG 475, UV and IR filters

  • Control: Advanced foot control panel for focus and XY

SOM4OPHT

The flagship for complex corneal procedures. LED lighting with separate red reflex illumination provides you with maximum flexibility in challenging lighting conditions. You can control coaxial field of view and red reflex illumination independently. The memory function stores five different settings. Penetrating keratoplasty, DMEK, DSAEK – each procedure has its own preset button.

The motorised zoom with a ratio of 1:6 offers continuous magnification for different corneal layers. The extended fine focusing with 50mm travel allows precise focusing from the epithelial layer to the endothelium. The XY coupling with 62x62mm movement range quickly positions the microscope between recipient and donor cornea.

The genuine stereo co-observer enables spatial participation for the operating team. The assistant can see exactly where the needle needs to be placed and can efficiently hand over instruments. The advanced filter options (green filter, orange filter, blue filter) can be quickly inserted.

Technical Specifications:

  • Magnification: Motorised Zoom 1:6

  • Tubing: Binocular swivel tube 0-210°

  • Fine Focusing: 50mm motorised with adaptive speed control

  • XY Coupling: 62x62mm motorised

  • Lighting: 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

  • Co-observer: Genuine stereo co-observer for 3D participation

Additional Applications

Additional Applications

Discover which microscope is best suited for each application