Relying on preferred devices, executing familiar techniques, tackling case after case in the OR, surgeons often grow accustomed to a surgical routine. Once in a while, though, we encounter a new advance, a new approach, or even a new surgical view that broadens our perspective and challenges us to evaluate our methods. Sometimes these experiences happen when visiting a colleague’s practice, sometimes when attending conferences … but they can also be experienced without ever setting foot out the door via Eyetube. Housed in this surgical library are myriad perspectives and experiences that can serve to help you evaluate and grow your own techniques. Take a look, and you may find yourself seeing in a new light.

A NEW VANTAGE POINT

This animated video by Juan Yepez, MD, sets a new bar for video animation on Eyetube. Dr. Yepez describes a theory of vitreoretinal detachment that results from transzonular fluid propagated during cataract surgery, which may be the instigator of retinal detachment following phacoemulsification. Because this theory is hard to display with traditional video, his use of animation truly captivates the viewer and explains the subject matter well.

In this video, Dr. Yepez shows a view of phacoemulsification that I have never seen before. He uses an illuminated chopper light pipe to help show the nucleus and cortex with lateral illumination. This technique allows one to visualize structures differently and theoretically assists one’s view during surgery. It is captivating to see the illuminated structures in a new light.

ALTERNATE SURGICAL VIEWS

In this video, I. Paul Singh, MD, gives a great demonstration of cataract surgery viewed through an endoscopic camera. This view allows one to get a better understanding of what happens in a flow-based phaco system. A Flomax-induced small pupil complicates this case, making it especially interesting to watch.

FIRST-TIME USE OF A NEW DEVICE

This video highlights the cool new capsulotomy device from Mile High Ophthalmics. Aaron Waite, MD, shows his first-time use of the Verus ophthalmic caliper, offering a textbook stepwise demonstration. Verus offers a safe, economical solution for creating a well-sized, centered, and circular capsulorhexis.