Effect of Other-Eye Patching on Fixation and Patient Cooperation During Topical Phaco
Narrative Responses:
Purpose
To determine if patching of the other eye improves fixation and patient cooperation during Topical Phacoemulsification.
Methods
200 consecutive eyes (169 patients) scheduled for topical phacoemulsfication by a single surgeon, were alternately allocated to Groups 1 and 2. Group 1 underwent topical phaco with no patch in other eye (OENP) whereas Group 2 had the other eye patched (OEP) during the surgery. Patients with manifest squint were allocated to Group 2 by default. Scoring of 1 – 5 (5 being best) used for Surgeon’s experience, Patient’s comfort and Video analysis regarding fixation. Patients with past OENP were asked to compare with OEP. Effect of Pre op vision, other eye vision, OEP and other factors on scores analyzed.
Results
Group 1 (No Patch): Surgeon’s score (patient’s fixation/ cooperation); 1 - 3 = 61%, 4 – 5 = 39%. Patients’ score (comfort looking at microscope light); 1 - 3 = 55%, 4 – 5 = 55%. Video analysis score of Fixation steadiness; 1 - 3 = 68%, 4 – 5 = 32%. Group 2 (Other Eye Patch): Surgeon’s score; 1 - 3 = 24%, 4 – 5 = 76%. Patients’ score; 1 - 3 = 18%, 4 – 5 = 82%. Video analysis Score: 1 - 3 = 27%, 4 – 5 = 73%. Second eye patients - OEP better.
Conclusion
Other Eye patching improves fixation and patient cooperation. Subjective responses corroborate well with objective video analysis. Small sample and single surgeon’s response are limitations of study. Larger study with multiple surgeons necessary to assess if patching the other eye translates into better surgeon and patient experience during topical phaco.