Learning styles and the prospective ophthalmologist.

PURPOSE: Understanding the learning styles of individual trainees may enable trainers to tailor an educational program and optimise learning. Surgical trainees have previously been shown to demonstrate a tendency towards particular learning styles. We seek to clarify the relationship between learning style and learned surgical performance using a simulator, prior to surgical training. METHODS: The Kolb Learning Style Inventory was administered to a group of thirty junior doctors. Participants were then asked to perform a series of tasks using the EyeSi virtual reality cataract surgery simulator (VR Magic, Mannheim, Germany). All completed a standard introductory programme to eliminate learning curve. They then undertook four attempts of level 4 forceps module binocularly. Total score, odometer movement (mm), corneal area injured (mm(2)), lens area injured (mm(2)) and total time taken (seconds) recorded. RESULTS: Mean age was 31.6 years. No significant correlation was found between any learning style and any variable on the EyeSi cataract surgery simulator. CONCLUSION: There is a predominant learning style amongst surgical residents. There is however no demonstrable learning style that results in a better (or worse) performance on the EyeSi surgery simulator and hence in learning and performing cataract surgery.

Safety of nondominant-hand ophthalmic surgery.

PURPOSE: To establish the safety of nondominant-hand simulated intraocular surgery. SETTING: Horizon Suite Simulation Centre, South Devon Foundation NHS Trust, Devon, United Kingdom. DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODS: Physicians with no previous ophthalmic surgical experience completed an introductory program on the EyeSi ophthalmic surgical simulator to eliminate the learning curve. They then completed the validated level-4 forceps module 4 times with their dominant hand and then 4 times with their nondominant hand. Simulator total score, odometer movement, corneal injury, lens injury, and total time were recorded. Acuity (Snellen near) and stereoacuity (Frisby) were also recorded. RESULTS: All 30 physicians showed good acuity (6/6 and N6 or better) and stereopsis (mean 35 seconds of arc). The total score was lower (mean 60.8 versus 65.6; P=.019), operating times were longer (mean 71.6 versus 70.0; P=.026), and lens injury was greater (mean 0.93 versus 0.79, P=.021) when operating with the nondominant hand than with operating with the dominant hand. Those with higher scores with the dominant hand had higher scores with their nondominant hand. CONCLUSIONS: Simulated nondominant-hand ophthalmic surgery resulted in less efficient, less safe, and slower surgery. This observation was more marked in those with less skill with their dominant hand. This has practical implications for trainee and trainer if 1 surgeon is left handed and 1 right handed. It also suggests that a higher degree of competence with the dominant hand is required before performing nondominant-hand surgery. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

Can virtual reality simulation help to determine the importance of stereopsis in intraocular surgery?

AIM: To establish the effect of acute loss of stereopsis on simulated intraocular surgical performance. METHODS: This study was performed using the EYESi ophthalmic surgical simulator. Thirty junior doctors with no previous ophthalmic surgical experience were enrolled and distance visual acuity (Snellen), near visual acuity and stereoacuity (Frisby) were recorded. All participants completed a standard introductory programme on the forceps module to eliminate the learning curve. They then undertook four attempts of level 4 forceps module binocularly and another four monocularly to simulate an acute loss of stereopsis. Total score, odometer movement, corneal area injured, lens area injured and total time taken were recorded. RESULTS: Mean age was 31 years (SD±9). None had amblyopia, with all demonstrating distance visual acuity of 6/6 or better and N6 for near. Mean stereopsis was 35 s of arc (SD±18). Average total score decreased from 60 while operating binocularly to 47 monocularly (p<0.05). Average corneal area injured increased from 0.95 mm(2) to 2.30 mm(2) (p<0.05), average lens area injured increased from 1.76 mm(2) to 3.53 mm(2) (p<0.05) and average time taken increased from 69.6 s to 77.4 s (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: The importance of stereopsis for intraocular surgery is difficult to establish in a live theatre setting without compromising patient safety. Virtual reality simulators provide a safe alternative. This study demonstrates a statistically significant decrease in simulated intraocular surgical performance with acute loss of stereopsis in potential ophthalmic training applicants. Caution is recommend in using these results to advocate stereopsis testing as a screening tool in interviews because some participants performed well despite an absence of stereopsis.

Effect of distraction on simulated anterior segment surgical performance.

PURPOSE: To determine the effect of distraction on anterior segment surgical performance using a virtual reality simulator in expert and novice surgeons. SETTING: Horizon Suite Simulation Centre, South Devon Foundation NHS Trust, Devon, England. DESIGN: Cohort study. METHODS: Expert and novice ophthalmic surgeons completed a standardized and validated surgical task 10 times on a virtual reality simulator (EyeSi). They then completed a cognitive task (arithmetic questions), after which they completed 10 attempts on the simulator module while also completing the cognitive task. RESULTS: For experts (n = 7), the distracting cognitive task had no statistically significant effect on operating scores. The rate of correctly answered questions decreased from 12.3 per minute ± 2.1 (SD) while single tasking to 8.6 ± 3.1 per minute while dual tasking (P=.018). For novices (n = 14), the distracting cognitive task had no effect on any operating score except a small reduction in the penalty odometer score. The rate of correctly answered questions decreased from 11.5 ± 4.1 per minute while single tasking to 7.0 ± 3.2 per minute while dual tasking (P=.001). CONCLUSION: A distractive cognitive task reduced the ability of novice surgeons and expert surgeons to deal with that cognitive task, although their simulated surgical performance was not overtly compromised. FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: No author has a financial or proprietary interest in any material or method mentioned.

A novel technique of rescuing capsulorhexis radial tear-out using a cystotome.

UNLABELLED: PART 1: PURPOSE: To demonstrate a capsulorhexis radial tear out rescue technique using a cystotome on a virtual reality cataract surgery simulator and in a human eye. PART 2: METHOD: Steps: When a capsulorhexis begins to veer radially towards the periphery beyond the pupillary margin the following steps should be applied without delay. 2.1) Stop further capsulorhexis manoeuvre and reassess the situation. 2.2) Fill the anterior chamber with ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD). We recommend mounting the cystotome to a syringe containing OVD so that the anterior chamber can be reinflated rapidly. 2.3) The capsulorhexis flap is then left unfolded on the lens surface. 2.4) The cystotome tip is tilted horizontally to avoid cutting or puncturing the flap and is engaged on the flap near the leading edge of the tear but not too close to the point of tear. 2.5) Gently push or pull the leading edge of tear opposite to the direction of tear. 2.6) The leading tearing edge will start to do a 'U-Turn'. Maintain the tension on the flap until the tearing edge returns to the desired trajectory. PART 3: RESULTS: Using our technique, a surgeon can respond instantly to radial tear out without having to change surgical instruments. Changing surgical instruments at this critical stage runs a risk of further radial tear due to sudden shallowing of anterior chamber as a result of forward pressure from the vitreous. Our technique also has the advantage of reducing corneal wound distortion and subsequent anterior chamber collapse. PART 4: DISCUSSION: The EYESI Surgical Simulator is a realistic training platform for surgeons to practice complex capsulorhexis tear-out techniques. Capsulorhexis is the most important and complex part of phacoemulsification and endocapsular intraocular lens implantation procedure. A successful cataract surgery depends on achieving a good capsulorhexis. During capsulorhexis, surgeons may face a challenging situation like a capsulorhexis radial tear-out. A surgeon must learn to tackle the problem promptly without making the situation worse. Some other methods of rescuing the situation have been described using a capsulorhexis forceps. However, we believe our method is quicker, more effective and easier to manipulate as demonstrated on the EYESi surgical simulator and on a human eye.

Ophthalmic manifestations of giant cell arteritis.

This article reviews the ophthalmic manifestations of giant cell arteritis. An overview of giant cell arteritis as a disease spectrum is presented with special emphasis on the ophthalmic involvement.

Assessment of fatigue in intraocular surgery: analysis using a virtual reality simulator.

AIM: To determine the effect of fatigue on intraocular surgical performance using a virtual reality simulator. METHODS: Seven experienced ophthalmic surgeons were recruited. The first set of data collection was immediately before a live theatre session. Each surgeon received a standardized orientation to a virtual reality cataract surgery simulator (Eyesi©, VRmagic, Mannheim, Germany). All surgeons then completed ten attempts on level-four forceps module. The parameters recorded were total score, total time, total time score, corneal injury score, lens injury score, odometer score, and operating without red reflex score. To reduce the effect of the learning curve, each surgeon had a "plateau" score calculated for every parameter, which was the average of their final four attempts. The surgeons then returned immediately after their scheduled theatre lists to complete a further ten attempts on the same module and similar parameters were recorded. RESULTS: Following routine theatre lists, simulator parameters slightly improved, with only the total score (97.28 to 98.57, p = 0.028) and total time (44 s to 35 s, p = 0.033) being statistically significant. The mean theatre list operating time was 197 min (SD ± 23.60). CONCLUSIONS: No detrimental effect of fatigue was demonstrated following a routine operating list. The study provides a template for further assessments of fatigue in high-volume cataract surgery lists.

A novel capsulorhexis technique using shearing forces with cystotome.

PURPOSE: To demonstrate a capsulorhexis technique using predominantly shearing forces with a cystotome on a virtual reality simulator and on a human eye. METHOD: Our technique involves creating the initial anterior capsular tear with a cystotome to raise a flap. The flap left unfolded on the lens surface. The cystotome tip is tilted horizontally and is engaged on the flap near the leading edge of the tear. The cystotome is moved in a circular fashion to direct the vector forces. The loose flap is constantly swept towards the centre so that it does not obscure the view on the tearing edge. RESULTS: Our technique has the advantage of reducing corneal wound distortion and subsequent anterior chamber collapse. The capsulorhexis flap is moved away from the tear leading edge allowing better visualisation of the direction of tear. This technique offers superior control of the capsulorhexis by allowing the surgeon to change the direction of the tear to achieve the desired capsulorhexis size. CONCLUSIONS: The EYESI Surgical Simulator is a realistic training platform for surgeons to practice complex capsulorhexis techniques. The shearing forces technique is a suitable alternative and in some cases a far better technique in achieving the desired capsulorhexis.

Interinstrument variability in Hertel-type exophthalmometers.

PURPOSE: To investigate variability in measurements of axial globe position taken with different exophthalmometers of the same style and manufacturer by the same observer. METHODS: In this small clinical study, 10 Hertel-type mirror exophthalmometers were used to measure the degree of exophthalmos of a plastic head. The deepest points on the lateral orbital margins were marked to ensure accurate placement of the instrument. A single observer, masked to previous measurements, recorded multiple measurements with each instrument over several days. RESULTS: Variation was seen between instruments from different manufacturers and more interestingly, between the same design of instruments from the same company. The measurement of axial globe position varied by up to 2.9 mm between instruments of the same make. There was also variation in the measurement of the relative axial globe position of the model. This measurement varied from 0.6 to 2.4 mm. The mean variation of readings taken with the same instrument was 0.5 mm. CONCLUSIONS: It is already considered good practice to minimize interobserver error by recording the make of exophthalmometer used. This small study also suggests that the same instrument should be used for each examination to minimize error caused by variation between instruments of the same make. Variation of 1.5 to 2.0 mm could affect patient treatment when a difference in measurement of 2 mm is regarded as significant during serial or relative exophthalmometry.