Eyeworld Supplements

EW San Francisco 2013 5 Integrating new technology into a practice for optimal outcomes Logistical benefits Our center boasts more than 12 surgeons, each of whom has his or her own surgical approaches and preferences. A unique feature of this particular microscope is its ability to preprogram each surgeon's settings, down to the amount of zoom pre- ferred. A simple push of the button automatically allows the microscope to go from Dr. A to Dr. B. Aside from the performance of the microscope itself, I've found a hidden benefit in its wireless foot pedal. The majority of microscopes have a wired foot pedal that is not only cumbersome and inconvenient, but often unreliable. (Full disclosure ILLUMIN-i technology delivers a focal length approximately 60 mm longer than traditional microscopes, regardless of working distance. Source: Alcon pedal to be extremely responsive with minimal to no lag time. Surgical learning curve As with any new technology, there is a learning curve. We've found that for some of our most experienced surgeons, the brightness of the microscope was daunting at first and provided "too much information," one surgeon used to say. Minutiae he had overlooked in the past was now incredibly visible and obvious, and for the surgeon, a bit over- whelming. This same surgeon noted he could see floaters in the vitreous for the first time because of how bright the microscope is. To hasten the learning curve, the proprietary AMP feature allows a surgeon to adjust the amount of red reflex in view, allowing a surgeon to bring the microscope up to its full potential on his or her own timetable. In the case of our one surgeon, the learning curve was no more than 10 to 15 cases before he was using the LuxOR in full illumi- nation for all parts of the surgery. I believe this microscope has the abil- ity to prolong a career as well—be- cause we can now see tiny defects in the capsule, we're able to prevent what might be a surgical disaster. A "no-brainer" When we decided to invest in a new microscope, we evaluated several other microscopes on the market. For me, it was a no-brainer: The "wow" factor of this microscope and the superior visualization made other microscopes we demoed pale in comparison. There is no doubt surgeons will have much better views with the LuxOR than with their older microscopes and other current models on the market. The stability of the red reflex and in- creased depth of focus have made us more efficient. In the long run, being more efficient means you'll do more cases and grow your practice. The superior visibility of this microscope has changed the way we do cataract surgery; it's made our surgeries faster, more efficient, and more effective. *Directions For Use Dr. Jones is assistant professor, St. Louis University Eye Institute, and in private practice, Illinois Eye Surgeons. He can be contacted at 618-604-4532. here—the wire on our old micro- scope's foot pedal broke and that was what led us to evaluate purchas- ing a new microscope in the first place. I've wondered if we'd still be using that old, outdated technology had it not been for my rolling over the cord for the umpteenth time.) I've found the LuxOR wireless foot The LuxOR microscope delivers 6x greater red reflex zone. Source: Alcon Alcon Sunday_SF2103 8pages-DL2_Layout 1 4/20/13 8:12 PM Page 5

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