Background: Ophthalmic microscopes have been crucial in visualizing surgical fields, but their limitations in enhancing the surgical view through digital image processing have prompted the development of digital surgical microscopes. The Beyeonics One microscope, a novel digital microscope, offers ophthalmic surgeons a 3D visualization platform and an augmented reality (AR) surgical headset, potentially improving surgical decision-making and outcomes. While its initial use has been described in cataract and corneal surgeries, its application in vitreoretinal surgery remains relatively unexplored.
Methods: In this interventional case series, we collected data from the medical records of patients who underwent vitreoretinal surgery using the Beyeonics One 3D visualization platform at the Tel Aviv Medical Center. A total of 36 eyes from 36 subjects were included. Surgical techniques included retinal detachment surgeries and macular surgeries, performed by experienced surgeons. The surgical visualization was facilitated by the Beyeonics One 3D head-mounted display (HMD) platform.
Results: The procedures were uneventful, and none intra- or postoperative complications were reported, and surgeons did not experience any signal delay in the real-time video.
Discussion: The Beyeonics One microscope offers several potential advantages in vitreoretinal surgery, including digital image processing, enhanced depth perception through the 3D HMD platform, and hands-free image control using head gestures. While this study demonstrates the feasibility and safety of the Beyeonics One microscope, addressing limitations related to hazy views and optimizing image quality are crucial for consistent visualization.
Keywords: 3D; HMD; PPV; VR surgery; exoscope; head gesture; head-mounted display; heads-up; microscope; surgery; three-dimensional; visualization; vitrectomy.