An engineering approach to vitreoretinal surgery

After reading this article the reader will be able to 1) Recall the engineering principles by which vitreous cutters and suction systems operate, utilize this knowledge when setting cutting rate an suction parameters, make rational decisions when evaluating new cutter and suction systems. 2) Cite the mechanical principles of membrane peeling and shearing, utilize this information when selecting techniques and tools for various types of epiretinal membranes. 3) Describe the physical properties of gas, silicone oil, and perflurocarbons; use correct physics-based terminology rather than meaningless terms such as "tamponade" and make better decisions about which agent to use in a given clinical setting.