PURPOSE:

To report a new wide-angle viewing contact lens for vitrectomy.

DESIGN:

New surgical instrument.

METHODS:

The new wide-angle viewing lens is made of glass and polymethyl methacrylate without a plastic rim. The diameter is reduced to 16.2 mm. In addition to a smaller diameter than the currently available lens, the new lens is partially cut to reduce the lens diameter.

RESULTS:

A smaller diameter makes it possible to eliminate contact between surgical instruments and the wide-angle lens. Instruments can be inserted through sclerotomies without removing the wide-angle lens. The optical properties are otherwise identical to the standard wide-angle lens.

CONCLUSION:

The new wide-angle viewing lens may be easier to use in vitreous surgery.