The Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ National Ophthalmology Database study of cataract surgery: Report 6, The impact of EyeSi virtual reality training on complication rates of cataract surgery performed by 1st and 2nd year trainees
by Paul Donachie
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Problem
One risk factor for the occurrence of posterior capsular rupture (PCR) during cataract is when the operation is performed by a junior surgeon. Surgery simulator machines can assist the development of a surgeon by allowing practicing of surgery techniques in a virtual environment.
Purpose
To investigate the impact of EyeSi surgical simulators on PCR rates for cataract surgery performed by 1st and 2nd year trainee surgeons.
Methods
A Royal College of Ophthalmologists’ National Ophthalmology Database Audit study of 1st and 2nd year surgeons’ PCR rates between 2009 and 2016. Participating centres provided information on their surgeon’s access to an EyeSi.
Results
Over the study period, 17,831 operations were performed in 29 centres by 265 1st and 2nd year trainee surgeons. 6,919 (38.8%) operations were performed before access to an EyeSi, 8,648 (48.5%) after access to an EyeSi and 2,264 (12.7%) operations by surgeons with no access to an EyeSi. The overall unadjusted PCR rates for the before, after and no access to EyeSi groups were 3.5%, 2.6% and 3.8% respectively. Over the study period, there was a 38% reduction in the surgeon’s unadjusted PCR rates from 4.2% to 2.6% for surgeons with access to an EyeSi, and a 3% reduction from 2.9% to 2.8% for surgeons without access to an EyeSi.
Conclusions
1st and 2nd year trainee surgeons’ unadjusted PCR rates have decreased since 2009 which has significant benefits for patients undergoing cataract surgery. This reduction aligns with the introduction of EyeSi simulator training.