What’s in your wallet?” Years ago Vikings and nowadays various celebrities ask this question at the end of cleverly written and directed advertising spots for a well-known credit card. The point of these commercials is that consumers have an extensive array of choices when it comes to credit cards, and they should weigh the various factors and perks (eg, interest rate, cash back, annual fee, travel rewards, etc.) in order to select the card that best fits their needs.

Similarly, vitreoretinal surgeons have an equally extensive range of choices as far as the tools, techniques, and technologies available for the OR. So in this issue, we ask, “What’s in your OR?”

Of course, for you, the ultimate decisions have an impact on patient and practice outcomes, so these choices carry a hefty weight. Are you using the latest and greatest technology available, or are you holding fast to the tried and true? Your preference for one or the other is not necessarily important, but it is important that you have a thorough understanding of the tools, techniques, and technologies you are using. Do you really know what is in your OR?

For example, regardless of which vitrectomy platform you use, knowing the ins and outs of the machine will translate into greater efficiency and improved safety. In this issue, we have a three-in-one article on the latest vitrectomy machines, intended to enhance your experience with your vitrector of choice. On the other end of the spectrum, Andrea Mercanti, MD, makes the case that older vitrectomy machines can still have a place in modern surgery.

Are you aware of the latest developments in endoscopy? In his article “Endoscopy and Its Potential for Visualization,” Jeffrey S. Heier, MD, explains how the instrument can be a valuable surgical tool to the retina specialist, thanks to advances in the technology. Again, it does not necessarily matter what equipment you use, as long as you are able to use it to its fullest capacity.

Are you still performing surgeries with nonvalved cannulas? If you strive for smoother, easier procedures, you may want to consider switching to valved alternatives. Patrick Oellers, MD; and Paul Hahn, MD, PhD, round out our focus on vitreoretinal surgery with an article on the merits of valved cannulas. They explain how these tubes can improve surgery, provided that proper precautions are taken.

We would also like to call attention to the remarkable image on the cover, submitted to us by Aubrey Gilbert, MD, PhD; Aristomenis Thanos, MD; and Dean Eliott, MD. It shows a honeycomb-like film of emulsified silicone oil droplets coating a patient’s intraocular lens following intraocular surgery. Dr. Eliott, along with Avni V. Patel, MD, MBA; and Thanos D. Papakostas, MD, also contributed an article to this month’s issue on silicone oil emulsification in the context of retina surgery. In it, they discuss the potential risks associated with this tamponade agent when it is left in the eye.

In our next issue, which comes out in October, we will focus on innovations in the retina subspecialty, and we have a great lineup of articles in store for you. Stay tuned. n

Robert L. Avery, MD, Associate Medical Editor

Allen C. Ho, MD, Chief Medical Editor