service preferences. And that's why you shouldn't necessarily let price
be your guide when you're considering your options. Questions to
consider:
1. How good is its red reflex?
It can be difficult to describe what the red reflex is to someone who
hasn't seen it, but it's not hard to explain its importance to cataract
surgeons. Picture the red-eye effect in family snapshots. Reflecting
light off the retina in a similar fashion during surgery helps to back-
light the eye's interior and makes the invisible distinction between the
lens and the capsule clearly visible. In short, retroillumination lets you
see more and, as a result, lets you operate more efficiently and more
safely. Recent years have seen several manufacturers significantly
improve their microscopes' red reflex abilities, and this has been per-
haps the biggest selling point for many physicians.
2. Are the controls capable?
The functionality and intuitive convenience of the controls are second in
importance only to the red reflex. Since the ability to operate the scope
while leaving the hands free for surgery is critical, foot pedal controls
are the key. Once, while trialing 2 scopes, it actually tipped the balance
for me when Scope A's red reflex was a couple of degrees better, but
Scope B's foot pedal was far superior. Foot pedals vary in shape, config-
uration and amount of pressure required on the buttons. As with video
game controllers, one manufacturer's foot pedal is not interchangeable
with another's platforms, so a user's comfort and perceived ease of use
with each individual control can play a big part in his scope preference.
3. Are additional advances available?
Above and beyond red reflex and convenient controls, some micro-
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