Operating microscope-induced retinal phototoxicity during pars plana vitrectomy
H. R. McDonald and M. J. Harris
Department of Ophthalmology, University of California, San Francisco.
We treated two cases of retinal phototoxic damage created by the coaxial
illumination of the operating microscope during vitrectomy surgery. These
lesions were probably created at the end of the vitrectomy procedure, after
intraocular manipulation had ceased. This critical period, while the
sclerotomy sites were being closed, was estimated to last no longer than
ten to 15 minutes. We recommend that the cornea be shielded during
sclerotomy closure at the conclusion of those vitrectomy procedures with a
clear liquid media and clear crystalline lens or pseudophakos.
