Published: November 05, 2009 01:29 pm      

Surgical microscope enhances clarity of surgeries

CLINTON — Earlier this year, Mercy’s surgical team, aided by the advanced technology of the Lumera T Ophthalmic Microscope, performed eye surgery with greater precision and clarity than ever before.

And with nearly 300 procedures a year, Mercy is the only medical facility in the eastern Iowa region to offer this cutting edge technology to the residents in the communities it serves, hospital officials say.

“To put it simply, it has been described as the difference between high definition and analog television,” said Becky Gluesing, supervisor of Perioperative Services at Mercy. “It provides the surgical team a detailed view of the eye with greater clarity, depth and contrast which is better and safer for the patient.”

The Lumera T Ophthalmic Microscope is usable for any eye surgery, including cataract procedures. With the use of a flat screen display monitor in the operating room, the entire surgical team can view the procedure at the same time.

Using a new form of illumination, called stereo coaxial illumination, the Lumera T dramatically improves red reflex and depth perception during eye surgery. The technology produces 50 percent better red reflex while delivering 30 percent less light into the patient’s eye during ophthalmic surgical procedures.

“Because our surgeons and clinicians can see in greater detail, we are able to do more for our patients,” said Lurea Ferry, Director of Perioperative Services.