Abstract

Two innovative approaches for intraocular illumination during vitreoretinal surgery by application of white LEDs are being developed. Both techniques are less harmful to the patient, more convenient for the surgeon and smaller and cheaper compared to conventional illumination by Xenon light sources and optical fibers. These two novel approaches are: I) The miniature LED chandelier endoilluminator consisting of a single white LED with a “light probe” on top of the LED housing that fits in a small incision in the wall of the eye. II) The alternative transscleral LED endoilluminator is integrated into an eye speculum that presses the flat LED top against the eye. The intraocular space is only illuminated by light transmitted through the sclera. In contrast to conventional illumination techniques for vitreoretinal surgery no incision is necessary. Both approaches are evaluated with regard to potential photochemical and thermal risks for the patient´s retina and they are tested on porcine eyes.

© 2015 SPIE