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Choosing the right surgical microscope for your ophthalmology practice is essential to obtain the best results. Understand the important aspects that need attention.

Ophthalmic microscopes play a vital role in every ophthalmology practice. They support diagnosis and eye surgery, ensuring precise and high-quality patient care. Therefore, choosing the right surgical microscope is very important.

What are the key factors to consider when choosing an ophthalmic surgical microscope? Here are 6 decisive characteristics to guide your choice.

The core of an ophthalmic microscope is an optical instrument that can visualize microscopic anatomical details. Therefore, there should be absolutely no compromise in optical quality. High optical quality can provide high resolution, large depth of field and realistic color performance to achieve accurate tissue differentiation. This allows the ophthalmologist to see more details in one view, reducing time-consuming refocusing and promoting maximum concentration.

The ophthalmic microscope should provide the best light conditions for the surgeon and the patient. This means that lighting needs to be both powerful and safe to ensure patient safety and reduce the risk of phototoxicity. For cataract surgery, it is also important to ensure stable red light reflection and optimal contrast in order to obtain a stable and uncompromising field of vision throughout the procedure. Some microscopes (such as Leica Microsystems' Proveo 8) even allow you to adjust the illumination diameter according to each patient's eye, so no light is lost.

Watch cataract surgery with a Leica microscope (video provided by Dr. Fabio Dornelles): 

Another key factor to consider is whether the microscope supports a seamless, smooth, and uninterrupted workflow, allowing simple progress at all stages of surgery. In addition, the light, focal length, and magnification can be programmed according to the type of operation and the stage of the operation, enabling rapid microscope settings and maximum efficiency in the operating room. The option to "look up" at the monitor can also greatly enhance the surgical workflow. 

The ability to connect the microscope to other equipment, accessories, and technology is a key aspect that allows you to use a microscope in all situations. This includes cameras and recording systems used to capture, record and share patient cases, as well as patient information systems. There are also optical coherence tomography (OCT), such as Leica Microsystems' EnFocus intraoperative OCT, which can provide deeper insights during retina, cornea, and glaucoma surgery and help surgeons make more informed decisions.

Work comfortably and within reach, allowing the ophthalmologist to focus on the patient and the procedure. Ergonomic accessories such as adjustable binoculars and wireless foot switches can improve comfort and reduce eye fatigue and musculoskeletal pain. Leica Microsystems' M822 microscope is used for cataract surgery and has the richest selection of ergonomic binoculars, allowing surgeons to obtain the best view in a natural, comfortable and upright position.

The microscope must be easy to clean, which requires a streamlined design, flat surface and internal wiring. Antibacterial coatings (a type of paint designed to provide an antibacterial effect on surfaces) also support hygiene protocols. The detachable parts, including the handle and the sterilizable cover, should be made of sturdy materials to ensure longevity.

In summary, the key features of ophthalmic surgical microscopes are: high optical quality; powerful and safe lighting; workflow support; open architecture and connectivity; ergonomic accessories; hygiene. 

Of course, depending on your needs, you may need to consider other factors. For example, if you teach ophthalmology, high-definition video may be a must. Or, if you plan to develop your practice, scalability may be at the core of your decision.

In any case, to ensure that the microscope meets your requirements, the best way is to request a product demonstration and learn directly about its functions. At Leica Microsystems, we work with clinical experts to provide remote product demonstrations, giving you the opportunity to experience our portfolio of ophthalmic surgery products.

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