ABSTRACT
Common properties of all contact and noncontact wide-angle systems are an inverted fundus view and a device to convert the image to a normally oriented view of the field. Wide-angle viewing systems may be used for all intraocular procedures involving vitrectomy and diagnostic inspection of the peripheral and posterior retina during surgery. Retained lens material is an example of a situation where a wide-angle viewing system can be used. Complex surgery for diabetic vitreous hemorrhage and traction retinal detachment can be simplified with the use of a wide-angle viewing system. Wide-angle viewing facilitates dissection of anterior proliferative vitreoretinopathy, gas–fluid exchanges, and silicone oil injection, with either a gas–silicone exchange or perfluorocarbon liquid–silicone exchange. True bimanual vitreoretinal surgery can be attained using the multiport illumination system. Visualization for posterior segment vitrectomy surgery was initially accomplished with hand-held, planoconcave contact lenses.
