At the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) earlier this month, Haag-Streit showcased the METIS, a new ophthalmic microscope system.
Company refresh, please.
The Koeniz, Switzerland-headquartered Haag-Streit Group is an international medical device company that develops and manufactures medical technology products for:
- Ophthalmology
- Pneumology
- Microsurgery
- Optics
Focusing on ophthalmology: With eight group companies around the globe, the company’s U.S.-based group (Haag-Streit USA in Mason, Ohio) manufactures and distributes medical equipment for eyecare professionals (ECPs).
Any products I may have heard of?
Most notable is Reliance Medical Products (which the company also services)—an exam and procedure furniture brand—as well as other medical device products that include:
- Octopus perimeters
- Surgical microscopes (our topic of interest)
- Slit lamps and imaging
- LENSTAR biometers
- EyeSuite software
Alrighty, now to this new microscope.
Making its U.S. debut, the METIS microscope is designed to provide advanced optics for both clarity and precision during ophthalmic surgeries.
A key component is its coaxial red reflex, intended for delivering stable and bright visualization—including in low-light conditions during procedures such as capsulorhexis and capsular polishing.
- Plus: “Optimized optics” provide:
- Accurate color reproduction
- High light transmission
- Large depth of field
Can I see what this looks like?
Yes! The company posted a video of the microscope in action from the show floor of AAO 2024.
Let’s talk efficiency.
To equip surgeons with more overall control, the METIS is compact in size and design—taking up limited clinical space—and features a motorized tilt with “intuitive controls” that enable surgeons to use hand or foot switches to:
- Tilt
- Filter
- Focus
- Zoom
Wireless control also enables up to 14 functions, assisting in more streamlined procedures and comfort for longer surgeries, according to the company.
And in terms of glaucoma positioning?
As Haag-Streit noted: “METIS offers complete control ... allowing surgeons to activate the motorized tilt at the touch of a button for effortless adjustment of the viewing angle.”
The microscope also includes an adaptation to its binoculars for a smooth, one-handed repositioning with a sterile cover.
Next up: visualization and adaptability.
The microscope is equipped with integrated 4K video and a 27-inch touchscreen monitor that’s “ergonomically positioned” to enable real-time collaboration and easy documentation for surgeons.
As for its adaptability: The METIS’s modular structure allows for such upgrades as 3D heads-up displays to continually perform with advanced functionality.
Anything else we missed?
A few more bonus features for surgical specialists:
- Sustainable light-emitting diode (LED) illumination
- Provides reduced heat and energy consumption
- Assistant microscope
- Enables a collaborative learning environment for academic centers and trainees
- Wide-angle fundus visualization
- Includes an integrated inverter for a crisp, wide-view or core vitrectomy (with an exchangeable optional macular lens)
Plus: The METIS also comes with the Microscope Imaging and Operation System (MIOS 6), marketed as an “intuitive surgical workflow” that includes an intuitive menu to guide surgeons through the surgical workflow, a simplified dashboard, and procedure recording capabilities, to name a few.
- Learn more by viewing the product brochure.
Lastly, how can I add this to my practice?
Contact the company for inquiries.