Leica Microsystems unveils M822 surgical microscope

Leica Microsystems has launched a new ophthalmic microscope designed to help surgeons performing cataract surgery.

The M822 boasts innovative dual illumination technology, deploying both LEDs and halogens to offer users extremely precise operating conditions.

Director of ophthalmology at Leica Mark Norris said extensive field tests have shown the device "gives an unsurpassed Red Reflex which meets the highest professional requirements of eye surgeons".

Silvio Bracone, vice-president of the firm's medical division, described the development of the M822 as "the beginning of a new era of illumination systems".

The microscope also includes functions for vitreoretinal surgery and features an open architecture to make upgrading straightforward.

Having been widely tested in the US, Asia and Europe, the product was formally unveiled at the Annual Congress of the American Academy of Ophthalmology in Florida this week.

Last month, Leica announced details of a new agreement with TrueVision 3D Surgical that will see it incorporate the firm's intelligent digital visualisation and guidance platform into selected products.