Frequently asked questions

Elara 900 FAQs

Elara 900 frequently asked questions

You will find below a comprehensive list of questions on topics such as: how the Elara 900 differs from other slit lamps; how to book a demonstration; and what training and educational resources are available.

Hardware & setup


Yes, the Elara 900 baseplate is mandatory, as the power and communication cables course through the track-rail covers.


Unlike conventional Haag-Streit models with fixed headrest handles, Elara 900's handles are vertically table-mounted and optional.


The headrest on the Elara 900 has been modified to improve patient comfort, though mounting on third-party tables may not be fully optimized yet.


No. However, we recommend that the display color calibration is carried out every three years.


Elara 900's components are designed for a 10-year technical lifetime.

Optics & Illumination


No. The Elara 900 does not include decoupling or 20-degree indents; it is recommended to adjust the patient's eye for oblique views.


Elara 900 delivers exceptional optical performance, enabling you to easily detect even the slightest ocular changes. Unlike modular microscopes, which require balancing interchangeable parts, the Elara 900’s core components are finely tuned during manufacturing and flawlessly integrated into a unified optical system. Equipped with legendary Haag-Streit optics - renowned for high light transmission and superior optical quality - each component undergoes strict quality control to guarantee unmatched precision.


Elara 900 is the slit lamp, reimagined. It features LED projector illumination rather than a traditional bulb or LED. This projector, or “P-Type”, illumination allows the slit lamp to project light of various colors directly onto the eye without the need to add filters, ensuring excellent contrast and color accuracy. These settings, along with slit height, width, and axis, can be saved in Elara 900's "presets", creating a fast and efficient examination.
 
The Elara 900 also features a built-in camera providing easy documentation of the eye in either 2D or 3D. Elara 900 has been designed with ergonomics in mind, with a 20-degree incline to the optics, allowing the examiner to adopt a more natural neck position.

There are two ways to adjust the slit axis on the Elara 900 slit lamp. Press the "preset" wheel inside the device base to activate the slit axis rotation function. Start to rotate the "preset" wheel to change the slit axis angle to your liking. The slit axis angle will be displayed as a value when the ocular mode is active. Press the "preset" wheel again to deactivate the rotation of the slit axis. You can also touch the area where the slit axis information is displayed to activate the functionality of slit axis rotation with the "preset" wheel.


Elara 900 VS (Visible Spectrum) includes a physical contrast-enhancing yellow filter. The illumination unit can emit cobalt blue and green (red-free) as well as three different "white light" scenarios (warm, neutral, cold). Elara 900 can also emit infrared* light (*Availability may vary by region.)


Yes, default settings are available for “warm,” “natural,” and “cold” slit illumination to better represent different tissues.


No, the device does not include a stereo variator, nor can a stereo variator be upgraded/attached.


No, the fixation star filter found on legacy Haag-Streit models is not present on the Elara 900.

Imaging & connectivity


No. The Elara 900 includes a stereo camera by default. Note that a license is required to activate the 3D option.


The integrated stereo camera array can capture images from the right, left, or binocular pathways.


Similarly to the Haag-Streit BD & BP Tungsten models, the release/capture button is located directly on the joystick.


Images & videos can be transferred to EyeSuite via the import function, the EyeSuite Capture option, exported to third-party software, or directly retrieved from their storage location (Windows SMB share).


Connect your Elara 900 slit lamp to a computer via Ethernet for reliable image and video export, as it uses network-based protocols such as SMB for file access and DICOM for EMR integration (requires "DICOM Connectivity" license).


Yes, we call this the slit lamp "VisionCast" feature. An additional hardware (Google TV Streamer 4K) enables this feature, so that the live camera, as well as the image review feed, can be streamed to a separate monitor.


To connect your Haag-Streit Elara 900 slit lamp to the Google TV Streamer 4K for the slit lamp "VisionCast" feature, ensure both devices are either connected on the same network either via Wifi or Ethernet. We reccomend using a wired connection for a low-latency viewing experience. Once the devices are all connected, go to the device settings and select the "VisionCast" tab to see and select your available Google TV 4K device from the list. The live stream to an external monitor will automatically start after the initial six-digit passkey has been entered on the Elara 900 and the camera has been activated.

Compatibility & safety


Yes, the Haag-Streit AT 900 R-type tonometer is validated for the Elara 900.


Elara 900 is designed to fit seamlessly into your clinic. Users can create a profile with their own "presets", creating a fast-flowing and easy examination. Images captured on the Elara 900 can be saved in EyeSuite: the same software used to support all Haag-Streit slit lamps.


No. The Elara 900 is not designated for ophthalmic laser purposes and is incompatible with current third-party laser adapters.


No, the Elara 900 does not offer a detached headrest like the Haag-Streit legacy slit lamps.


70% alcohol can be used, but care must be taken to avoid fluid ingress into the electrical components and joystick.

Advanced features


An infrared option exists for Meibomian gland assessment and retro-illumination, but it is currently only available in the US.


The Elara 900 features powerful presets which:
 
Can create a standardized exam to be used in virtual clinics, thus saving time and improving workflow
Assist with consistency between photographers’ images
Can be used to create imaging protocols for continuity of patient records/images
Offer the potential for reducing user variables in research studies.

Elara 900 redefines slit lamp ergonomics. Benefit from an optimized control layout that puts everything in easy reach, inclined oculars & motorized height adjustment to reduce physical strain, and a spacious headrest to enhance patient comfort for all body types.


Elara 900 carries a two-year parts warranty, rather than the 10-year warranty found on legacy models.


The DLP chip has a typical lifespan of 20,000 to 100,000 hours depending on usage and environment. This is equivalent to 10–15 years of standard clinical use (8 hours/day, 5 days/week).


The solid-state LED illumination is rated for 20,000+ hours before any decline in light output occurs.

Maintenance


The Elara 900 has a very low maintenance profile because the DLP chips are sealed systems with no moving parts, requiring no recalibration. Haag-Streit recommends preventative maintenance to be carried out every three years.


No. Unlike traditional slit lamps, there are no consumables, such as halogen bulbs, to replace, which reduces downtime and costs. The forehead band and chinrest can be easily changed when damaged.


No. The DLP chip is a solid-state component; the micro-mirrors are sealed and rarely fail.


While rare, maintenance is typically limited to the driver board or power supply rather than the DLP chip itself.


Both the Elara 900 and the BQ 900 are high‑end Haag‑Streit slit lamps built for long service life in demanding clinical use, but there is not yet long‑term field data proving that the Elara 900 will match the BQ 900’s decades‑long track record.

Learning


Our two learning hubs bring you a wealth of free, practical resources to grow your knowledge of the Elara 900 slit lamp. Our dedicated Elara 900 page brings together the latest video testimonials, expert insights, our "How to" video library, and the product brochure. For in-depth educational content, such as academic studies, white papers, and wider information about the Haag-Streit slit lamp portfolio, please visit our slit lamp education page

 

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