Operating under the microscope requires visuo-spatial coordination, coordinating the use of both hands at the same time, and using the zoom, focus and X-Y controls of the foot-pedal to have the best field visualization and a neat image in every step of the surgery.
Ophthalmic surgical microscopes come in a variety of models and prices, starting at U$S 6.000. Very economic optical microscopes that may replace the ophthalmic microscope for the wet laboratory (with the exception of the foot-pedal) are those usually used for working on electronic circuits.
These microscopes cost around U$S 216. We have found them very useful for practicing different steps of surgery (like the capsulorhexis we learned about in the previous post), to learn how to hold instruments appropriately, place stitches, etc.
Focal distance is quite short, so we taped a -8 magnification lens that allows a longer focal distance and working room, as you can see in the images below:
You can buy these microscopes at The Microscope Depot®. (We have no financial interest in this product).
