What Kind of Equipment is Used in Eye Surgery?

There are different specializations in surgery, one of which is ophthalmology. The field deals with surgical interventions concerning the eyes. And while there are general-purpose surgery instruments, there are also specialized ones for eye surgery. Examples include the ophthalmic OT table, operating microscope, tonometer, retinoscope, slit lamp, etc.

However, while the list of equipment used in eye surgery is endless, this post will discuss ophthalmic OT tables and microscopes in detail. Keep reading as we'll inform you where to buy them at wholesale prices. 

What is the ophthalmic operating table?

Eye surgeries are delicate and require accurate positioning to achieve special requirements and prevent hazardous events. The ophthalmic OT table is used in eye surgery to keep the patient in place. Some people also regard it as an eye surgery table.

Examples of surgeries where the ophthalmic OT table is applied include blepharoplasty, LASIK, corneal transplant, cataract, retina, glaucoma, and eye muscle surgeries.

There are different models of ophthalmic OT, but they all fall under two categories, manual and electric. Manual models work on hydraulic or crank systems to facilitate movement. On the other hand, electric eye surgery tables are fully automated, noiseless, and reliable. They can be connected to a light source and some may also be equipped with an uninterruptible power supply system.

Features

●      One unique feature of this table is the ultra-low surgery position, unlike the universal surgery tables. The height adjustments of a typical ophthalmic OT can be as low as 500mm, while the maximum height varies across brands and is based on the surgeon's preference.

●      The table's surface has three segments, the headboard, the backrest, and the leg board. Also, some models include armrests. These parts are adjustable to different heights and angles to improve surgical access and efficiency.

●      Unlike many universal operating tables, most ophthalmic OT tables' headrest is usually narrow so that surgeons can easily access patients' heads.

●      The eye surgery table frame is usually made of stainless steel, and the tabletop is padded with upholstery material. Also, the table pads are fixed and do not move during surgery. However, most models are removable to ease cleaning.

●      The table frame also has wheels to transport patients before and after surgery. Also, the wheels include brakes to keep the table in place during surgery. 

What is the ophthalmic microscope?

The ophthalmic microscope is one of the pieces of equipment that has led to a more remarkable advance in eye surgery. And there is no doubt that its use makes a difference in achieving a safer and more efficient procedure. Also known as a surgical or operating microscope, this binocular device offers the ophthalmologist a magnified and high-quality view of minute eye muscles and structures.

The microscope works primarily on the principle of magnification. As a result, the size of the target object is increased in the retina. The operating microscope is equipped with an objective lens and eyepiece lens. These convex lenses are separated at distances greater than their focal lengths.

Typically, this device achieves magnification without altering the distance between the objective lens and the target object, known as the working distance. However, when there is a need for adjustment, the ophthalmic microscope is equipped such that you can alter the magnification to different values to suit your process. This is done with the magnification changer which works between 4x and 40x.

Often, people mistake magnification for resolution, but they are different. Resolution is the ability of the microscope to view distinguishing details on the target surgical site. Thus, it helps surgeons to identify other parts of the inner eyes and muscles. And the optical resolution depends on the quality of the lenses.

The ophthalmic microscope is applied in corneal transplantation, cataract surgery, and retina surgery, employing optical coherence tomography (OCT). Also, the microscope is used in the anastomosis, Tympanostomy tube insertion, and dentistry for endodontic procedures. Other applications include neurosurgery, ENT, and plastic surgeries.

Components of ophthalmic microscope

The operations microscope comprises three essential components:

Optical system

The optical unit comprises different parts working together to achieve stereoscopic visualization. They include the objective lens, binocular head, and magnification changer. In the binocular head, you have two telescopes with individual eyepiece lenses. Thankfully, surgeons can adjust the telescopes, especially for those with myopia, presbyopia, or astigmatism. 

Interestingly, some high-end microscopes come with extra binoculars with a beam splitter designed for the assistant surgeon. They are connected to the main binoculars through a binocular tube while the beam splitter facilitates concurrent viewing.

The optical system also consists of a knob to facilitate magnification change. The different magnification factors are printed on this knob to ease the adjustment. Also, some premium microscope models include a foot pedal to achieve continuous magnification.

Illumination system

The ophthalmic microscope works on the principle of coaxial illumination. As a result, the light travels through the same path as the target area, thus, producing a bright image without shadows. The illumination system comprises the illuminator or light source, which may be halogen or LED. It also includes a fiber optic wire that helps regulate the heat from the light bulb.

The bulb is inbuilt on a stand and delivers light to the target surgical area. But, the microscope is designed such that surgeons can regulate the light intensity by varying the bulb's voltage through the floor stand. Interestingly, changing the magnification does not alter the light intensity.

Stand / Suspension Arm

The stand and suspension arm are the parts that hold and stabilize the optical system. The suspension arm sits on the wheeled stand and allows the optical system to be positioned toward the target surgical area. But the wheels have brakes to keep the whole setup in place.

The structure of the microscope is designed such that the system is weightless. Hence, various adjustments do not add momentum and displace the setup. Also attached to the stand is a foot pedal used for continuous zooming. The pedal has a joystick that regulates the optical view of the eyes and powers the illuminator.

Factors to consider before buying the ophthalmic equipment

Patient & doctors' comfort

Eye care and surgeries cannot go smoothly without the patient's and doctors' comfort. Therefore, ensure you check the product materials before buying. For example, an ophthalmic OT table should be appropriately padded with an upholstery covering. Also, the table should offer adequate adjustments to suit the procedure.

High Precision

Eye care is a sensitive venture and requires high-precision equipment to facilitate accurate diagnosis and treatment of defects. On the other hand, devices with poor precision can harm your patients and mess with the reputation of your service. Therefore, before paying for any ophthalmic equipment, perform the necessary test to your satisfaction. Also, ensure that products have safe and authentic certifications, like CE, ISO, or FDA.

Durability

When buying ophthalmic equipment, evaluate the material to ensure it is of high quality and reusable if it's not disposable. For example, eye surgery tables must be strong enough to accommodate bariatric patients. Also, they must be shock-resistant to withstand prolonged use.

Environment

After considering comfort and durability, you should also focus on aesthetics. Therefore, consider your facility's environment and ensure the equipment matches the designs, especially in color. Space is another vital factor when buying ophthalmic instruments. For example, check that the operating table and microscope fit well in the room and allow for free movement of surgeons and assistants.

Price

The final factor that determines your choice is the price. Purchasing ophthalmic equipment is the real deal as you want to ensure a reasonable return on investment. However, depending on your budget, you can opt for used or new equipment. While the former may be cheaper, product security is not sure. But you can give it a shot if all the product details function correctly. 

On the other hand, new pieces of ophthalmic equipment are expensive due to tech upgrades and security through warranties. And for high-end instruments and furniture, focus on the product's warranty terms and return policy. It would be best to opt for equipment with long warranty expiry dates.

Above all, regardless of your budget, ensure you opt for quality and pay attention to the product's details. And to be sure of the quality, patronize reputable brands and vendors and build a relationship. Some big names in the ophthalmic equipment industry include Vision Care, Alcon Inc.,  Hoya Corp., Nidek Co Ltd., Johnson and Johnson, etc.

Conclusion

The ophthalmic OT table and operating microscope are must-have equipment for different eye surgeries as they are used simultaneously. For example, during cataract surgery, the patient lies facing up on the operating table to the desired degree while the microscope is placed over the eyes.

You can get a full catalog of eye surgery equipment on medwish.com. One advantage of buying from Medwish is that products are sold at exciting wholesale prices. In addition, your equipment is delivered through secure channels with provisions for insurance, logistics, and customs clearance. So, wait no further; contact Medwish today for your eye surgery equipment and other medical furniture.