Page 4 - Clinical Connections- Autumn 2021

RVC RESEARCH STUDY VETERINARY SERVICES RVC.AC.UK
Ophthalmology
A NEW DIMENSION IN VISUALISATION

Maria-Christine Fischer, Lecturer in Ophthalmology

he new ophthalmic operating
microscope Zeiss Lumera 700 was
T purchased with an Animal Care
Trust (ACT) grant and has provided a vast
amount of benefits, not only to our patients,
but also to research, veterinary education,
and specialist training.
The operating microscope provides us
with an exceptional surgical experience as
its technology offers a greater depth and
width in the field of view and the Stereo
Coaxial Illumination technology allows
us to visualise every anatomic detail with
perfect clarity. This is a big advantage for
routine procedures contributing to shorter
anaesthetic times and has proven to be
especially helpful when performing lens
removal surgery in small exotic eyes.
Together with the new Alexos 3 Phaco
system from An-Vision, also funded by
the ACT, it is now possible to perform
microincisional cataract surgery in even
smaller exotic eyes.
Another advantageous feature
of Zeiss Lumera 700 is the video
screening. It has enabled an improved
communication and interaction with the Use of the operating microscope at RVC Equine
team during microsurgical procedures. The
anaesthetists are now able to visualise the ring of light, we can visualise the corneal phacoemulsification system from An-vision,
surgery and the response of the patient curvature in real time and it has proven a which is also equipped for cataract removal
the specific drugs required for ophthalmic great help during corneal suture placement in horses, has increased the range of
procedures. This is giving the team useful when performing cataract and corneal graft ophthalmic microsurgical procedures we
information on depth of anaesthesia, surgery. By monitoring the uniformity of can offer.
analgesia, and effect and duration of the corneal sutures placed intraoperatively
neuromuscular blocking agents that keep we can minimise postoperative corneal
the globe in a central position for the astigmatism and achieve better visual
procedure. outcomes for our patients. A final year
The nursing team can now anticipate student, Monika Salkauskaite, has based
the next move during the case and for her clinical research project on this topic.
example get the artificial intraocular lens Under guidance of the ophthalmology
or additional instruments ready. Further, team she successfully developed a
our ophthalmology theatre nurses protocol for its intraoperative use and for
can now apply their knowledge when measurements that can objectively assess
explaining surgical procedure to veterinary changes in the corneal curvature. This will
and nursing students, which has been find application in future scientific projects
very motivating for their professional aiming to reduce visual deficits associated
development. Being able to watch the with corneal astigmatism.
surgery live has enable everyone to get
involved and to feel more ‘part of it’. This Advancements in equine ophthalmic
has led to a very enthusiastic and efficient surgery
collaboration of the team members and The presence of the Zeiss Lumera 700 View through the operating microscope
made challenging ophthalmic procedures at the Queen Mother Hospital for Animals
something to look forward to. The video (QMHA) allowed the former QMHA
recording capacity enables the joint review Zeiss microscope to be moved to the
and analysis of the procedures with the Equine Referral Hospital permanently For small animal referrals, please call:
team aiming to refine surgical techniques. and facilitates immediate vision-saving 01707 666399
Zeiss Lumera 700 is also equipped intervention for our equine patients. Email:
with an integrated keratometer. With this This microscope, together with the new qmhreception@rvc.ac.uk

4 Autumn 2021