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Purpose: To assess the quantum of cataract surgical training opportunities for trainees enrolled in ophthalmology residency programs in India. Methods: An anonymous online survey was sent across to resident ophthalmologists across India through various social media platforms. The results were tabulated and analyzed. Results: A total of 740 resident ophthalmologists participated in the survey. In all, 40.1% (297/740) were independently performing cataract surgeries. Of those who were not performing independent cataract surgeries, 62.5% (277/443) were in the third year of residency. A significantly higher proportion of trainees who were not operating independent cataract surgeries were enrolled in MD/MS programs as compared with DNB courses (65.6% vs. 43.7%; P < 0.0001). Of those who were operating independent cases; 97.1% had exposure to manual small incision cataract surgery (MSICS), whereas only 14.1% performed phacoemulsification. It was noted that 31.3% of residents reported that on an average a trainee in their training program performed less than 100 independent cataract surgeries throughout the residency. Apart from cataract surgery, the most performed surgeries by residents were pterygium excision (85.3%), followed by enucleation/ evisceration (68.1%). When it came to training aids, 47.2% (349/740) of the respondents reported no access to wet lab, animal/cadaver eyes, or surgical simulators for training. Conclusion: The amount of surgical exposure in terms of cataract surgery across residency programs in India is low with most of the ophthalmology residents who participated in this survey not operating cataracts independently; even in their final year of residency. Exposure to phacoemulsification in residency programs is very limited across the country. Although some programs do provide well?rounded surgical exposure to trainees, such centers are scarce; the stark variations in infrastructure, training opportunities, and surgical numbers warrant an overhaul in the structure and curriculum of residency programs in India
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While ophthalmology as a surgical branch itself has evolved technologically with newer instruments, techniques and procedures; ophthalmic surgical training appears to have stagnated in terms of how it is delivered and how trainees� learning and performance are assessed. This collaborative editorial attempts to identify the lacunae in ophthalmic residency training and highlight how technological tools such as surgical simulators can be incorporated into ophthalmic training even in limited-resource settings with good results
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Purpose: To establish the face and content validity of the HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulator � a virtual reality-based cataract surgery simulator for manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS). Methods: The face and content validity were assessed on the sclero-corneal tunnel construction course. A questionnaire with 11 questions focused on the visual realism, with resemblance to real life surgery, and the training value of the simulator was developed. Thirty-five experienced MSICS surgeons participated in the study. Responses were recorded using a seven-point scoring system. Results: Overall, 74.3% (26/35) of the respondents agreed that the overall visual representation of the eye and the instruments in the simulator were realistic. The task of injecting a visco-elastic through the paracentesis was reported to be the most visually realistic task with a mean score of 5.78 (SD: 1.09; range: 2�. With regard to content validity, 77.1% (27/35) of the subjects felt agreed that the errors and complications represented throughout the entire tunnel construction module were similar to those encountered in real life; the task of entering the anterior chamber with the keratome had a mean score of 5.54 (SD: 0.98; range 1�, being rated the highest in that aspect. Overall, 94.3% (33/35) of the subjects agreed that the simulator would be useful in developing hand� eye co-ordination. A similar number of 94.3% (33/35) agreed that based on their experience, they would recommend cataract surgical training on this simulator. Conclusion: The results suggest that the HelpMeSee Eye Surgery Simulator appears to have sufficient face and content validity for cataract surgical training.
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The induction of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) is an important step in the successful outcome of vitreoretinal surgery for various indications. This may pose a significant challenge intraoperatively in cases of strong adhesion between the posterior hyaloid and retina. Various techniques to achieve intraoperative PVD have been described which involve active aspiration as well as non-aspiration techniques to achieve a plane of separation between the posterior hyaloid and retina. Very frequently, combinations of these techniques might be necessary to achieve successful PVD induction. We describe a novel instrument that combines aspiration as well as non-aspiration techniques for PVD induction, Bapaye aspiration scraper. It is also useful in various vitreoretinal interface procedures due to its design and is compatible with small-gauge vitrectomy systems which are commonly used in modern vitreoretinal surgery.
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Aim: The study aims to report a single trainee’s experience of learning and performing endoscopic endonasal dacryocystorhinostomy (En‑DCR). Settings and Design: This study was a retrospective, interventional case series. Subjects and Methods: Fifty‑four eyes of fifty patients presenting at a tertiary eye care center over 1 year were included in the study. All cases underwent endoscopic DCR with mitomycin‑C and silicone intubation. The parameters studied included demographics, clinical features, intraoperative details, and postoperative ostium evaluation. Stent removal and nasal endoscopy were performed at 6 weeks and a further ostium evaluation at 3 and 6 months following surgery. Anatomical success rate was defined as patent irrigation, and functional success rate was defined as positive functional endoscopic dye test and absence of epiphora. Results: Fifty‑four eyes of fifty patients were operated, and three cases were lost to follow‑up after surgery. The mean age at presentation was 34 (4–75) years. Clinical diagnosis included primary acquired nasolacrimal duct (NLD) obstruction in 72% (39/54), acute dacryocystitis in 15% (8/54), failed DCR in 7% (4/54), and persistent congenital NLD obstruction in 5% (3/54). The first five cases needed intervention by the mentor for superior osteotomy. Common variations in anatomical landmarks were posterior location of sac, large ethmoidal bulla, high internal common opening, and thick maxillary bone. Surgical time taken in the last 27 eyes was significantly lesser compared to the surgical duration taken in the initial 27 cases (P < 0.05). Anatomical and functional success rate was 94% (48/51) at 6 months follow‑up period. Conclusions: Endoscopic En‑DCR has a good success rate when performed by oculoplastic surgery trainees. Nasal anatomical variations, instrument handling, and adaptation to monocular view of endoscope are few of the challenges for beginners. Structured skill transfer can help trainees to learn and perform En‑DCR with acceptable success rates.
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We describe the clinicopathological features of a solid variant of orbital angioleiomyoma. A review of clinical records, diagnostic, and radiographic studies combined with histopathological evaluation with standard histochemical staining and immunohistochemistry was conducted. A 22‑year‑old male patient presented with a mass in the region of the left lacrimal gland that was gradually increasing over the past 2 years. Radiological and clinical examinations showed no signs suspicious of a malignancy and fine needle aspiration cytology was inconclusive. Therefore, an excision biopsy was performed. On histopathological examination, the picture was consistent with a benign spindle cell tumor. Immunohistochemistry showed positivity for CD 34 and CD 31 (markers for vascular endothelium). The tumor also showed positivity for smooth muscle actin and Ki‑67 proliferative index was low. Angioleiomyomas are rarely encountered in the orbit and has features seen in leiomyoma as well as some vascular tumor elements. In most cases, surgical excision is usually curative.
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A 40‑year‑old male presented with an orbital extension of conjunctival squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). The orbital mass was seen protruding outward from the left palpebral fissure overhanging the lower eyelid, completely obscuring the globe and lower lid. The patient gave a history of excision biopsy, which was histopathologically diagnosed as ocular surface squamous neoplasia. He also gave a history of tumor recurrence, which gradually progressed to assume the form of the presently visible orbital mass. Computed tomography of the orbits showed the mass extending into the left orbit causing superior displacement of the globe. After a negative locoregional and systemic metastatic screening, neoadjuvant intravenous systemic chemotherapy with cisplatin and 5‑fluorouracil were initiated in an attempt to reduce the size of the tumor. Three cycles of tri‑weekly chemotherapy resulted in a significant reduction of the orbital tumor size with the globe and the lower lid being visible, thus making a lid‑sparing orbital exenteration possible. The patient subsequently underwent an orbital exenteration and at 6‑month follow‑up, the patient was free from local and regional disease. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case where systemic neoadjuvant chemotherapy has been used to reduce the size of invasive SCC with orbital extension, thereby permitting a lid‑sparing orbital exenteration.
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Thyroid eye disease (TED) can affect the eye in myriad ways: proptosis, strabismus, eyelid retraction, optic neuropathy, soft tissue changes around the eye and an unstable ocular surface. TED consists of two phases: active, and inactive. The active phase of TED is limited to a period of 12–18 months and is mainly managed medically with immunosuppression. The residual structural changes due to the resultant fibrosis are usually addressed with surgery, the mainstay of which is orbital decompression. These surgeries are performed during the inactive phase. The surgical rehabilitation of TED has evolved over the years: not only the surgical techniques, but also the concepts, and the surgical tools available. The indications for decompression surgery have also expanded in the recent past. This article discusses the technological and conceptual advances of minimally invasive surgery for TED that decrease complications and speed up recovery. Current surgical techniques offer predictable, consistent results with better esthetics.
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Objective: To study the utility of a commercially available small, portable ultra‑high definition (HD) camera (GoPro Hero 4) for intraoperative recording. Methods: A head mount was used to fix the camera on the operating surgeon’s head. Due care was taken to protect the patient’s identity. The recorded video was subsequently edited and used as a teaching tool. This retrospective, noncomparative study was conducted at three tertiary eye care centers. The surgeries recorded were ptosis correction, ectropion correction, dacryocystorhinostomy, angular dermoid excision, enucleation, blepharoplasty and lid tear repair surgery (one each). The recorded videos were reviewed, edited, and checked for clarity, resolution, and reproducibility. Results: The recorded videos were found to be high quality, which allowed for zooming and visualization of the surgical anatomy clearly. Minimal distortion is a drawback that can be effectively addressed during postproduction. The camera, owing to its lightweight and small size, can be mounted on the surgeon’s head, thus offering a unique surgeon point‑of‑view. In our experience, the results were of good quality and reproducible. Conclusions: A head‑mounted ultra‑HD video recording system is a cheap, high quality, and unobtrusive technique to record surgery and can be a useful teaching tool in external facial and ophthalmic plastic surgery.
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Cervical cancer is the most common cancer among females in India. Cervical cancer usually spreads by local extension and through the lymphatic drainage to the lymph nodes. Hematogenous spread, the mechanism responsible for distant metastases, is rarely seen in cervical malignancies. In this communication, we report a case of a 45-year-old woman who presented with unilateral decrease in vision of 3 months duration. She was found to have a serous retinal detachment with underlying diffuse, subretinal yellowish-cream colored infiltrates in the right eye, suspicious of choroidal metastases. Systemic evaluation showed disseminated systemic metastases arising from a primary adenocarcinoma of the cervix. In this communication, we review all the documented cases of metastases to the eye and adnexa arising from cervical cancer and their clinical characteristics. Unilateral choroidal metastasis arising from an adenocarcinoma of the cervix is extremely rare with only one previous documented case. Although uncommon, choroidal metastasis may be the presenting feature of primary cervical malignancy. Furthermore, cervical malignancy must be ruled out in women who present with orbital or choroidal metastases arising from unknown primary.
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Schwannomas are benign, encapsulated, primary neurilemmal tumors composed of proliferating Schwann cells. Schwannomas are commonly seen in the orbit, but are rare on the epibulbar surface. Herein, we report a case of a 12‑year‑old boy who presented to us with a slow‑growing painless subconjunctival mass in the left eye. There was no intraocular extension of the mass and intra‑operatively, the mass could be clearly delineated and was excised off the underlying sclera. Histopathological examination of the mass showed typical features of schwannoma and immunohistochemistry helped to confirm the diagnosis. There was no recurrence of the lesion observed at follow‑up 26 months after surgery. Here, we describe this uncommon tumor and review the available literature. Although rare, an epibulbar schwannoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis of an amelanotic, painless subconjunctival nodular mass. Excision of the lesion is the recommended treatment.
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Surgical emphysema is defined as gas or air trapped in the subcutaneous tissue plane. Here, we report a rare case of bilateral periorbital and cervicofacial subcutaneous emphysema following a vitreoretinal surgery for inadvertent globe perforation during the administration of peribulbar anesthesia. This condition, although self‑resolving when restricted to the subcutaneous plane has the potential to spread into deeper tissue planes such as the retropharyngeal space. The presence of crepitus helps to distinguish it from angioneurotic edema. Ophthalmologists must be sensitive to the fact that surgical emphysema can be a very rare, but possible complication of an intraocular surgery following globe perforation.
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Rhinosporidiosis is a rare infection caused by Rhinosporidium seeberi, an organism classified in its own class, mesomycetozoea. It commonly affects mucus membranes namely the nasal mucosa, pharynx and the conjunctiva. We present the case of an 8‑year‑old female who presented with a flat, red, vascular, fleshy, pedunculated mass arising from the tarsal conjunctiva of the right upper eyelid. The mass was completely excised. On histopathological examination, multiple sporangia were seen in various stages of degeneration, consistent with rhinosporidiosis. The diagnosis of rhinosporidiosis is based solely on its microscopic features, and the treatment is surgical excision. This condition is endemic in the temperate regions of the Indian subcontinent, but it has been known to occur even in the colder regions of North America and Eastern Europe. Although a rare clinical entity, the possibility of rhinosporidiosis must be borne in mind when evaluating any polypoidal conjunctival mass.
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Dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) is the procedure of choice in patients with epiphora due to primary acquired nasolacrimal duct obstruction. The evolution of surgical tools, fiber‑optic endoscopes, effective anesthesia techniques, and the adjunct use of antimetabolites intraoperatively; namely mitomycin‑C (MMC) have significantly contributed to the advancement of DCR surgery. MMC is a systemic chemotherapeutic agent derived from Streptomyces caespitosus that inhibits the synthesis of DNA, cellular RNA, and protein by inhibiting the synthesis of collagen by fibroblasts. Even the cellular changes in the human nasal mucosal fibroblasts induced by MMC at an ultrastructural level have been documented. There, however, seems to be a lack of consensus regarding MMC: The dosage, the route of delivery/application, the time of exposure and subsequently what role each of these variables plays in the final outcome of the surgery. In this review, an attempt is made to objectively examine all the evidence regarding the role of MMC in DCR. MMC appears to improve the success rate of DCR.
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Aims: The aim was to assess the etiology of sixth nerve palsy and on the basis of our data, to formulate a diagnostic algorithm for the management in sixth nerve palsy. Design: Retrospective chart review. Results: Of the 104 neurologically isolated cases, 9 cases were attributable to trauma, and 95 (86.36%) cases were classified as nontraumatic, neurologically isolated cases. Of the 95 nontraumatic, isolated cases of sixth nerve palsy, 52 cases were associated with vasculopathic risk factors, namely diabetes and hypertension and were classified as vasculopathic sixth nerve palsy (54.7%), and those with a history of sixth nerve palsy from birth (6 cases) were classified as congenital sixth nerve palsy (6.3%). Of the rest, neuroimaging alone yielded a cause in 18 of the 37 cases (48.64%). Of the other 19 cases where neuroimaging did not yield a cause, 6 cases were attributed to preceding history of infection (3 upper respiratory tract infection and 3 viral illnesses), 2 cases of sixth nerve palsy were found to be a false localizing sign in idiopathic intracranial hypertension and in 11 cases, the cause was undetermined. In these idiopathic cases of isolated sixth nerve palsy, neuroimaging yielded no positive findings. Conclusions: In the absence of risk factors, a suggestive history, or positive laboratory and clinical findings, neuroimaging can serve as a useful diagnostic tool in identifying the exact cause of sixth nerve palsy. Furthermore, we recommend an algorithm to assess the need for neuroimaging in sixth nerve palsy.
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Myasthenia gravis (MG) is a disease that affects the neuro‑muscular junction resulting in classical symptoms of variable muscle weakness and fatigability. It is called the great masquerader owing to its varied clinical presentations. Very often, a patient of MG may present to the ophthalmologist given that a large proportion of patients with systemic myasthenia have ocular involvement either at presentation or during the later course of the disease. The treatment of ocular MG involves both the neurologist and ophthalmologist. Thus, the aim of this review was to highlight the current diagnosis, investigations, and treatment of ocular MG.