The surgical principles and techniques used in ophthalmic microsurgery differ considerably from those used in general surgery. Successful ophthalmic microsurgery requires that the surgeon understand not only the design and complexities of the operating microscope, but how tissues are affected by minute manipulations with microsurgical instruments. Furthermore, ophthalmic microsurgery requires a detailed understanding of how microsurgical techniques need to be adjusted to accommodate the unique features of ocular tissues such as conjunctiva, cornea, and lens. A diligent effort to master the principles of ophthalmic microsurgery is probably the single most important prerequisite to becoming an accomplished ophthalmic surgeon.