Abstract: An ophthalmic illumination device (10) includes a source of light (12) that has a spectrum primarily in a red spectrum and is substantially devoid of spectra in any other color, including a blue spectrum and a green spectrum. The red light is provided by a red light emitting diode (12) and may be used in combination with known ophthalmic illumination devices that provide a white light (31). A surgeon controls the device and can switch (36) between the red light (33) and the white light (31).

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the motor type of an electric intraocular surgical handpiece. A circuit including a voltage divider, opto-isolators and amplifiers receives signals from the motor of the handpiece to determine its type. The circuit provides a signal, which can be visual or auditory, to the user concerning the motor type of the handpiece so that the user may choose the proper controls compatible with the motor type.

Abstract: A current compensation system for an electrical brush motor senses the amount of current by the electrical motor and generates a signal quantifying the amount of current drawn by the motor so that the amount of current drawn can be re-supplied together with a target speed signal through a power amplifier device to the electrical motor.

Abstract: A system for controlling a plurality of ophthalmic microsurgical instruments is disclosed. Particularly, the present invention includes an ophthalmic handpiece, such as an intraocular surgical scissors or forceps, which is electrically isolated from the electric power source for controlling electrical hardware by a transformer. In a preferred embodiment, the handpiece is removably attachable to the electric control handpiece and is interchangeable with other ophthalmic handpieces. Furthermore, an apparatus to detect the presence of the interchangeable handpiece when it is connected to the controlling electric hardware is provided.