NOTES, CASES, INSTRUMENTS A NEW CATARACT SCISSORS*

HERBERT M. KATZIN, M.D. New York

A new scissors has been designed* for the enlargement of cataract sections. It is similar to the one used for round corneal trans­plantation and is available in both right- and left-hand curves. The shape and angulation

Fig. 1 (Katzin). A new cataract scissors.

of the blades has proved to be so helpful in achieving an accurately cut vertical section at the limbus that suturing is very much simplified.

A small section is made with a keratome at either end of the cataract section. The blade is introduced with the handle of the scissors vertical. This method avoids the sloping in­cision that results from other types of sec­tions and allows for a more firm type of clo­sure. It may be used either with or without a conjunctival flap.

210 East 64th Street (21).

PHOTOGRAPHY OF STRABISMUS PATIENTS USING T H E

POLAROID* CAMERA

GLEN F. HARDING, M.D. Ogden, Utah

The use of conventional black and white or color photography presents some unde­sirable characteristics, particularly in stra-

* From the Eye Bank for Sight Restoration, Inc. t In discussion with Dr. Harvey Thorpe of Pitts­

burgh and Dr. Ramon Castroviejo of New York City, it was learned that they have had similar or identical scissors made.

bismus patients. Whether special clinical reflex cameras or standard camera adapta­tions are employed, these cameras for average office practice require considerable time before film development and print pro­duction is complete. Hence reexposures for desired details are inconvenient.

For some time I have employed the Land Polaroid* camera in strabismus photography with happy results. This unique camera de­velops a 3j4 by 4*4-inch finished print, ap-

Fig. 1 (Harding) Polaroid camera, electronic flash, and holder. The easily constructed wooden "paddle" is shown.

proximately one minute after exposure. The universal photographic problems of move­ment, position, focus, poor lighting (includ­ing reflexes upon spectacle lenses) and mechanical failure, can thus be immediately corrected by additional exposures.

Since I found the measuring tape supplied with the accessory closeup kit for this camera very inconvenient for rapid stra­bismus photography, especially in the cardinal positions, I designed a simple wooden "paddle" with a crosspiece, the rear border of which is situated 13 inches from

* Polaroid is the registered trademark of the Polaroid Corporation.

1354 NOTES, CASES, INSTRUMENTS

Fig. 2 (Harding). Use of paddle for focusing and centering picture.

the rounded front end (fig. 1) . This border of the crosspiece fits against the left front side of the camera bed (fig. 2 ) .

The rounded end of the paddle is placed near the right lower orbit. This alignment quickly gives a suitable focusing and picture-centering measurement. Pr ior to exposure, the paddle is dropped (fig. 3 ) , and the al­ready engaged exposure lever is pressed. The routine directions for development supplied with the camera are followed. Often there is ample time to take another picture while the previous exposure is being developed.

Fig. 3 (Harding). The paddle is lowered prior to pressing exposure lever.

For the pictures shown in Figure 4, the No. 3 accessory-copy lens was used over the camera lens, and the distance setting on the camera bed was at infinity. I have found the combined No. 3 shutter-iris setting very suitable for synchronization and exposure. The regular office lights do not interfere, although a screen to shield the patient's face from direct daylight is desirable.

The camera's development time is variable, this allows correction for any minor light intensity variations in subsequent pictures, if needed.

When using a one-sided light source, there is a tendency to have an unequal density print. This is not serious, considering the convenience and simplicity of the described equipment.

When taking a picture of a patient wear­ing spectacles, I found it necessary for the

Fig. 4 (Harding). Pre- and postoperative views of the same patient. A No. 3 accessory copy lens was used over the camera lens.

flash unit to be adjusted to the maximum possible height on its supporting bracket. This helps to avoid the undesirable light reflexes.

The complete outfit, including the flash holder, electronic flash, and close-up lens kit, costs approximately $160.00. The total cost of a finished print is less than 25 cents each. Duplicate prints may be obtained for \2s/2

cents each. The diagnosis, refractive findings, basic surgical procedures, and so forth may be written upon the backs of the pictures. Small albums are available for the prints, or transparent envelopes may be used.

Eccles Building.