Wide-angle viewing lens for vitrectomy

PURPOSE: To report a new wide-angle viewing contact lens for vitrectomy. DESIGN: New surgical instrument. METHODS: The new wide,angle viewing lens is made of glass and polymethyl methacrylate without a plastic rim. The diameter is reduced to 16.2 mm. In addition to a smaller diameter than the currently available lens, the new lens is partially cut to reduce the lens diameter. RESULTS: A smaller diameter makes it possible to eliminate contact between surgical instruments and the wide-angle lens. Instruments can be inserted through sclerotomies without removing the wide-angle lens. The optical properties are otherwise identical to the standard wide-angle lens. CONCLUSION: The new wide,angle viewing lens may be easier to use in vitreous surgery. (C) 2004 by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)