A Second Study on the Apple Vision Pro in Surgery is now Published

Apple Vision Pro as the Primary Visualization Platform for Cataract Surgery

Dr. Tommy Korn authored a new study of the Apple Vision Pro and spatial computing in cataract surgery. It has been peer reviewed and published in Clinical Ophthalmology.

I had spent a day shadowing Dr. Korn as he performed a dozen surgeries. It is remarkable that those delicate operations--saving people's vision--can be assisted so competently by the Apple Vision Pro.

Dr. Korn and his team evaluated the 2nd generation Apple Vision Pro (M5) using the ClearSphere app as the primary 3D view for cataract surgery. This surgery replaces the cataract-clouded natural lens in the human eye with a fixed focal length artificial lens. It restores vision to many who would otherwise be blind.

Study highlights:

• First of its kind: 1st prospective study of Apple Vision Pro as the ophthalmologist’s primary 3D view for complete live microscopic cataract surgery from start to finish.
• Wireless, high-definition 3D microscopic view
• 45 cataract operations studied
• Easy on surgeons: physical demand just 1.07 out of 21
• Excellent outcomes: about 20/20 average vision at one month
• Strong surgical team acceptance: 100% confident assisting with future cases
• Safety built in: Zero device-related surgical complications observed; 2 backup systems always ready

This study helps lay the scientific and clinical foundation for what comes next in spatial computing and surgery.

For generations, eye surgeons have worked through microscope eyepieces and fixed screens, often maintaining painful postures. Spatial computing creates the possibility of something very different: A surgical cockpit built around the surgeon.

At a recent conference on the topic it was clear to me that many surgeons are looking at this platform for multiple benefits:

• Ergonomic benefits: comfortable position for surgeon
• Navigation (finding/positioning of instruments or procedures on patient)
• Visualization of complex data in real time. No need to turn or seek out data on various monitors.
• Space saving over fixed monitors.
• Situational awareness
• Productivity, remote work, remote operation of surgical robots and cost savings over fixed external monitors.

Dr. Korn calls it "A personalized 3D workspace built around the surgeon."

It's still early days for spatial computing and yet the benefits are clearly measured and now peer reviewed.

Congratulations to Dr. Tommy Korn, pictured on the right with yours truly.