Clinical Results of Phacoemulsification Performed by Ophthalmic Resident

ABSTRACT

The clinical results and complications of 27 phacoemulsification which had been performed by ophthalmic resident during the learning curve were studied retrospectively. Mean postoperative follow-up period was 8.9 weeks and 82%(22 of 27) was followed up for 4 weeks or longer. Posterior chamber intraocular lenses were implanted in all cases. Final best corrected visual acuity of 0.5 or better was obtained in 21 eyes(95.5%) and mean value of the surgically induced astigmatism was -0.47 diopter of the 22 eyes who were followed up for 4 weeks or longer. The incidence of vitreous loss was 11.1 %(3/27). Of these, two cases occurred during nuclear emulsification, while one case during cortex aspiration. With proper patient selection, meticulous technique, and under the faculty's supervision, phacoemulsification performed by residents during the learning curve can be an effective method for cataract surgery procedure.