Unassisted scleral depression during vitrectomy surgery: Two simple, cost-effective techniques

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The ability to visualize and work in the region of the vitreous base during vitrectomy surgery is important. However, this usually requires the use of a surgical assistant for scleral depression or expensive chandelier systems requiring extra incisions. The authors describe two alternative simple, cost-effective techniques to independently and simultaneously view and cut (or apply laser) in this difficult anatomical region. TECHNIQUE: Light-pipe assisted scleral depression using a standard light pipe and ring depressor indentation while maintaining two intraocular instruments are described. CONCLUSION: The described techniques are simple, cost-effective, safe, suitable for phakic and pseudophakic patients, and allow the surgeon to operate independently with maximum control.