Small-size pediatric vitrectomy wide-angle contact lens.

PURPOSE: We describe a new wide-field vitrectomy contact lens specifically designed to facilitate pediatric vitreoretinal surgery.

DESIGN

Experimental study, instrument description.

METHODS

A wide-field contact two-piece glass vitrectomy lens was designed with the largest diameter of 13.6 mm and a contact diameter of 7.00 mm, sacrificing only the more tilt-sensitive parts of the optics in order to reduce its physical size.

RESULTS

Laboratory measurements in a model eye demonstrated a 61-degree binocular field of view, a 94-degree static field of view, and a maximum 129-degree field of view. Image magnification was 0.50 x. No complications were linked to the use of this instrument, and the need to exchange for another lens was never encountered in 10 cases. The two-piece glass construction enabled this lens to be sterilized in an autoclave or sterilized by any other instrument sterilization technique.

CONCLUSION

The instrument successfully fulfilled the purpose of its design, providing at the same time an excellent wide field of view and ample space for the surgeon, performing well in 10 pediatric vitreoretinal cases (8 cases of retinopathy of prematurity; 2 cases of traumatic eye injury). Its loose two-piece design rendered it suitable for all sterilization techniques.