MICROENDOSCOPE WITH GRADIENT-INDEX LENSES - FIRST CLINICAL-EVALUATION

Purpose Endoscopes for use in ophthalmology can be manufactured in dim ensions smaller than 0.89 mm. Materials Gradient-index lenses that giv e a higher resolution than fiber bundles can be miniaturized down to 0 .35 mm. Results We used this new endoscope in 6 eyes of 6 patients dur ing anterior segment surgery. Preliminary clinical experience has demo nstrated the usefulness and practical application of this new instrume nt. Conclusion The clear views the instrument provides of the ciliary sulcus and ciliary body behind the iris make it useful in secondary po sterior chamber intraocular lens implantation, retroprosthetic membran e behind keratoprosthesis, Molteno valve, and in endolaser photocoagul ation.