AN EYE SPECULUM FOR CATARACT OPERATIONS

Abstract

To the Editor: —My attention has been called to a communication inThe Journal, Dec. 3, 1932, from Dr. Walter B. Lancaster commenting on an eye speculum for cataract extraction which I described and illustrated inThe Journal. Oct. 8, 1932, page 1252. Dr. Lancaster says that the eye speculum is a good illustration of how far one can go afield if one starts from an erroneous premise. I started from the premise that a patient with a cataract incision and an unsupported speculum in the eye can expel vitreous by a contraction of the orbicularis muscle. If that premise is erroneous, I have indeed gone far afield. I agree fully with Dr. Lancaster when he says, Expulsion of vitreous during cataract operations may come from either or both of two causes: pressure on the eyeball by the surgeon, or pressure on the eyeball by the patient through muscular action.