1 0 4 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • A P R I L 2 0 1 7
W
hat do cooks, woodwork-
ers and cataract surgeons
have in common? They all
do better when they have
lots of working space. Inadequate pupillary dila-
tion occurs only in a small percentage of patients, but when it hap-
pens, it's important to have a solution at the ready. Fortunately, sur-
geons and surgery facilities have more mechanical and pharmaceuti-
cal options than ever. Here's a review.
Mechanical devices
Along with the traditional iris hooks, a growing number of ring-type
devices are now available, promising greater efficiency and ease of
use and low trauma to the iris.
All of the rings are effective, says T. Hunter Newsom, MD, founder
of the Newsom Eye & Laser Center in Tampa, Fla. "The good news is
that we have several different options that doctors can play with and
see which fits well with their practice technique," he says. And, he
adds, since companies with newer options are looking to get a
foothold, they're usually happy to provide samples.
Your Options for
Managing
Small Pupils
The list of devices and drugs for pupillary
dilation and maintenance is growing.
Jim Burger
Senior Editor
• SMALL CHALLENGE
Surgeons can call on
a widening variety
of devices to
deal with
stubbornly
narrow
pupils.