Endoscope-assisted vitrectomy

Abstract

Ocular endoscopes enable ophthalmologists to observe any part of the retina without any limitations, including those caused by corneal opacities, the rim of the intraocular lens, cortical remnants, capsular opacities, a small pupil, and vitreous opacities. Moreover, ocular endoscopes enable the management of peripheral lesions without scleral indentation and are compatible with microincision vitrectomy surgery. The enlarged view under the endoscope, as obtained by drawing towards the lesion, appears to be another advantage. Rhegmatogenous retinal detachment with undetectable retinal breaks, trauma, endophthalmitis, scleral wounds with incarceration of the vitreous, and microcornea are indications for endoscopic vitrectomy. The combination of endoscopy and a wide-angle viewing system could compensate for the deficiencies of each technique and achieve more effective and safer surgical maneuvers. Endoscopy skills appear to be a great advantage for vitreoretinal surgeons; however, because endoscopies require a learning curve, becoming familiar with the handling of the endoscope through step-by-step learning is necessary.

Keywords: Ocular endoscope; Vitrectomy; Retina; Microincision vitrectomy surgery; Retinal detachment

Core tip: Ocular endoscopes enable ophthalmologists to observe inside the eye and perform surgical procedures independent of the status of the cornea, pupil size and media. Moreover, endoscopes enable the management of peripheral lesions without scleral indentation. The enlarged view under the endoscope, as obtained by drawing towards the lesion, appears to be another advantage. Having endoscopy skills appears to be an advantage for ophthalmologists; however, because endoscopies require a learning curve, becoming familiar with the handling of the endoscope is necessary.