A Game-Changer in Eye Surgery

At the Retina World Congress 2025 in sunny Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Dr. Alan J. Franklin, MD, PhD, sat down with the Ophthalmology Times team to discuss groundbreaking advancements in eye surgery. His focus? The strategic use of intraoperative fluorescein angiography—a technique that's transforming surgical practices and enhancing patient care.

Why Fluorescein Angiography Matters

Franklin shared exciting findings from a recent study that showcases how intraoperative fluorescein angiography can pinpoint areas of fluorescein leakage or hidden neovascularization during surgery. This precise targeting allows surgeons to effectively use lasers on those specific spots, leading to a remarkable decrease in postoperative vitreous hemorrhage and significant boosts in patients' visual acuity within just three months after surgery.

A Brief History of Surgical Visualization

The history of this technique is equally fascinating. Dr. Charles’s pioneering work on operating microscopes laid the groundwork, albeit with initial hurdles in achieving wide-angle visualization. The evolution of this technology into more advanced heads-up surgeries has been nothing short of revolutionary, and Franklin's team has taken these innovations even further with modern retinal machines and heads-up displays.

Elevating Surgical Precision

In reflecting on his own fellowship training, Franklin highlighted the disparities in surgical visualization between experienced surgeons and their trainees. Traditionally, skilled surgeons had the upper hand in navigating complex surgical pathologies. However, the advent of modern digital imaging systems has leveled the playing field—enhancing tissue visualization and thereby equipping surgeons with the tools needed for more accurate interventions.

Looking Ahead: The Research Path

Franklin's ongoing research aims to formally compare surgical outcomes between patients who received intraoperative fluorescein angiography and those who did not, with a focus on three key action items: analyzing the impact of the technique, comparing patient outcomes, and preparing their findings for publication. The implications of this research could mean a critical leap forward in surgical methods, promising not just enhanced precision but also better overall patient outcomes.