Advancing microsurgical instrumentation into the 21st century

As we move into the 21st century, so technology continues to advance at an astounding pace. As a consequence, ophthalmology is exposed to rapid developments in the areas of surgical techniques, biomaterials, and ‘high tech’ instrumentation. For example, in the field of cataract surgery, the advances in the technique over the past 30 years have come about through a combination of the application of the phacoemulsification technique1 and small incision surgery,2 3 along with intensive research and development of better biomaterials.4 These innovations continue through researchers striving for even smaller incision cataract surgery5 6 and the application of laser phacolysis.7-9 However, is there such a great interest in the research, development, and implementation of improvements in surgical instrumentation?

The importance of modifying and designing ophthalmic surgical instruments to meet the needs of new procedures has been highlighted in the past.10 At the time, the advent of the microscope to ophthalmic surgery revealed the damage to ocular tissues caused by inappropriate instrumentation. The need to refine forceps, to provide sharper cutting tools, and to have more accurate needle holders was paramount. Subsequently, there was a search for a more suitable raw material—titanium emerging as the material of choice.11 12 It is lighter than …