Virtual Reality Versus Donor Eye Training for Learning Capsulorhexis: Clinical Trial
Narrative Responses:
Purpose
To compare the role of training on simulator versus donor eye for learning capsulorhexis.
Methods
This was a prospective randomized clinical trial conducted at Aravind Eye Hospital, Madurai. 10 ophthalmology residents without prior experience in capsulorhexis were divided into 2 groups. Group I underwent training on EYESi simulator and Group II on donor eyes in wetlab for a period of 15 days. Each surgeon then performed capsulorhexis on 10 patients under the supervision of a single investigator. Each capsulorohexis success rate was scored in following criteria - Raising of flap, completion of rhexis, circularity, size(6 – 7mm), tissue protection, time (< 3 mins).
Results
The metrics for each group during capsulorhexis on the patient was analysed and compared using Chi square and Fisher's Exact test. Group II showed significantly higher success rate in circularity (p=0.046), duration (p= 0.046) and total score(p=0.0001). The variables like rhexis completion, size and tissue protection were also better in Group II although not statistically significant.
Conclusion
Wet lab practice on donor eyes is a very valuable tool in learning capsulorhexis.