Abstract
Abstract: :
Purpose: We present the initial results of the unique ONEc (see figure) eyelid speculum, designed for ophthalmic microsurgical procedures. Current wire eyelid specula,such as Kratz-Barraquer speculum, are used to expose the ocular surface by preventing eyelids from closing. They must be strong enough to resist orbicularis-induced reduction of the palpebral aperture and forced eyelid closure. This may result in considerable discomfort for the patient, and the joining hinge can impair access to the ocular surface for surgical procedures. The ONEc speculum has been developed as a single-use instrument, with an ergonomic design. We have tested its suitability for surgical procedures for both surgeon and patient. Methods: This single-masked, prospective, randomised study compared subjective volunteers' and doctors' experience of the ONETM speculum with the existing Kratz-Barraquer speculum. Following topical anaesthetic instillation, both specula were consecutively inserted into the palpebral aperture of each of 12 volunteers. Using a visual analogue scale, volunteers graded each speculum for degree of discomfort on insertion and removal after three minutes. The examiner graded each speculum for ease of insertion, removal with palpebral aperture size and measured degrees of access for both superior and temporal surgical approach Results: The ONEc speculum gave statistically significant improvements in gradings for insertion and removal. Surgical access was improved in the temporal axis with the ONEc speculum ( p = 0.01), and equally matched in the superior axis. Conclusions: The ONEc speculum appears easy to insert and remove, acceptable to patients, and safe to use for ophthalmic surgery.
Keywords: clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: sys • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: bio • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: tre