The Stability of the Red Reflex Produced by Different Surgical Ophthalmic Microscopes

The red reflex is produced when coaxial light from the retina is reflected from patient to observer, and acts as an important tool in ophthalmic surgery owing to its application in screening various ocular abnormalities associated with the cornea and iris. Visualization of these intraocular structures could improve surgeons’ ability to perform ophthalmic procedures safely. The aim of this podcast, featuring Dr. Laurence Woodard (Medical Director of Omni Eye Services, Atlanta), is to highlight the clinical utility of red reflex stability and intensity provided by nearly collimated and focused beam microscope illumination systems used in ophthalmic surgery. Quantifying red reflex intensity can be challenging due to its subjective nature. Other factors such as phacoemulsification and individual characteristics of the eye, such as pupil size or iris pigment, may affect red reflex intensity. Red reflex stability and intensity may also be altered during the procedure because of excessive eye movement, lack of centering, or if the eye is not perpendicular to the light beam. In addition, differences in nearly collimated and focused illumination systems may affect surgeon fatigue and surgery success. The intensity of the red reflex dictates surgeons’ ability to maintain adequate visualization during surgery as well as identify ocular abnormalities. In conclusion, the more intense the red reflex, the more likely a surgeon will be able to maintain adequate visualization during surgery as well as identify corneal and anterior segment abnormalities. The podcast and transcript can be viewed below the abstract of the online version of the manuscript. Alternatively, the podcast can be downloaded here: https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.14779212. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40123-021-00367-w.