Surgical application of Ong speculum in simple limbal epithelial transplantation and pterygium surgery

ABSTRACT

Ong speculum is used in glaucoma surgeries such as trabeculectomy to expose the superior part of the globe. The large inferior blade pushes the inferior conjunctival fornix, due to which the eyeball rotates downwards. It has not been used in other anterior segment surgeries before. We used this speculum in simple limbal epithelial transplantation (SLET) and pterygium surgery to expose superior bulbar conjunctiva for harvesting limbal and conjunctival grafts, respectively. As the superior conjunctiva and sclera become exposed, it facilitates the steps of harvesting limbal biopsy and conjunctival graft in SLET and pterygium surgery. This eliminated the need for a superior rectus suture or an assistant who would keep the globe rotated downwards. Its position could also be maneuvered to adjust the site of exposure when dissecting the area of pannus in SLET. Thus, it makes the superior conjunctiva more accessible.