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The beauty of the details
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While examining a patient for centration of his Tecnis multifocal IOL (Abbott Medical Optics), I noticed the beauty of the details of how the lens was manufactured. It is precision lathe-cut, with the IOL material given increased rigidity via a cryogenic process. Then the lens is tumble-polished in order to smooth the surface without disturbing the diffractive rings.
When examining the pupil centration at the microscope (Figure 1), it is noted to be well-centered, with a pupil size of less than 2 mm in diameter due to the constriction from the bright slit lamp light. Upon switching to higher magnification (Figure 2), the hints of the lathe lines can be seen. The amazing part is the level of precision. The central zone of this IOL is 1 mm in diameter, and it contains 10 additional lathe zones, each precisely placed with a level of exactness and symmetry that is beautiful.
 Figure 2: With high magnification, hints of the micro-lathe lines show the precision and attention to detail required to create this IOL. |
 Figure 1: The AMO Tecnis one-piece multifocal IOL is well-centered in the pupil after cataract surgery. |
The engineers behind this product and so many other products in ophthalmology really take pride in their work, with attention given to the smallest details — details that we may not even realize without the high degree of magnification of our microscopes. Now when the patient is thrilled with his new vision after surgery, I will remember that it is the teamwork of many people, from the surgeon to the engineers, that made it all possible.
See Dr. Devgan share more expert insight live at OSN New York 2010, to be held November 19-21, 2010 at the Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers. Learn more at OSNNY.com.