To study the learning curve of capsulorhexis in manual small incision cataract surgery among postgraduate residents in central India.

PURPOSE: To evaluate the learning curve of continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) and to assess the number of surgeries required to master it among residents in a postgraduate teaching institute. METHODS: The present prospective observational study was based on the completion time and complication rates related to CCC performed using various techniques by 10 students in the 2nd (JR2) and 3rd-year (JR3) of residency. CCC was performed either by a cystotome or capsulorhexis forceps or by a combined method in 253 eyes, of which 160 eyes (63.2%) were operated by JR3 and 93 (36.8%) by JR2. The complication rates were studied with respect to the number of capsular extensions, posterior capsular rent (PCR), zonular dehiscence, need for senior surgical assistance, and nucleus drop. RESULTS: The average time required for the completion of CCC was 412 ± 90.5 s. The average number of times residents required to fill the anterior chamber with viscoelastic was 6.9 ± 1.4. The average size of CCC was 7 ± 0.66 mm. Extended CCC was the most common complication. JR2 required assistance from a senior surgeon in 47 eyes (50.5%), whereas JR3 required assistance in 39 eyes (24.4%) (P = 0.0001). The rate of PCR was not significantly different in JR2 (7.5%) and JR3 (8.8%). CONCLUSION: CCC is a difficult step to master in the trainee. Focusing and practicing on this step will help to reduce the complications and maximize proficiency. Approximately 6-eight surgeries are required to master CCC.

Incidence and risk factors for vitreous loss in residents performing manual small-incision cataract surgery.

AIM: To assess the incidence of vitreous loss and associated risk factors in residents performing manual small-incision cataract surgery (MSICS). METHODS: The present retrospective record review study was performed on 490 patients who underwent MSICS performed between November 2018 and December 2019 by 7 third-year postgraduate residents. The study group comprised of patients having intraoperative vitreous prolapse. All the surgeries were performed under supervision of a trained assistant. RESULTS: The mean age of the participants at the time of surgery was 68.42±2.05y. Of the 490 patients, 250 patients were male, and 240 patients were female (P=0.23). A total of 215 (43.9%) eyes had mature white cataract, 185 (37.8%) eyes had brown cataract, and 90 (18.3%) eyes had immature senile cataract. The incidence of intraoperative vitreous loss among residents was 2% (10/490). Vitreous loss occurred during hydrodissection [1/10 (10%)], nucleus delivery [3/10 (30%)], irrigation and aspiration [5/10 (50%)], and intraocular lens insertion [1/10 (10%)]. Multivariate stepwise Logistic regression analysis confirmed immature senile cataract [odds ratio (OR)=3.99; P=0.02], irrigation and aspiration of cortical material (OR=3.07; P=0.03), and anterior capsular extension (OR=3.22, P=0.03) as independent risk factors for vitreous loss. CONCLUSION: Immature senile cataract, irrigation and aspiration of cortical material, and anterior capsular extension are independent risk factors for vitreous loss. Our findings may serve as a guide for future trainers or residents learning MSICS.

Complete Occlusion of Anterior Capsular Opening in Patient Operated for Cataract With Penetrating Keratoplasty.

A 68-year-old female underwent a full-thickness penetrating keratoplasty (PK) and developed a mature cataract for which she was operated on using the phacoemulsification technique with the implantation of polymethyl methacrylate lens. The patient developed diminished vision one month after the cataract surgery. The patient had a contraction of the anterior capsular opening. Neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser (ND:YAG) anterior capsulotomy was performed to create an opening in the anterior capsule, following which the patient regained her vision. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of early anterior capsular contraction in a patient operated for PK.

Ocular Trauma in Pediatric Age Group at a Tertiary Eye Care Center in Central Maharashtra, India.

PURPOSE: To study the demographic profile and visual outcome in pediatric ocular trauma. STUDY DESIGN: Prospective and interventional study. SETTING: Tertiary eye care center in central Maharashtra. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study included all children of age group 15 years and younger sustaining eye injuries and presented to the outpatient department or emergency services. The duration of the study was 1 year. A detailed medical history was obtained. Demographic profile was noted. A detailed ocular examination included visual acuity, slit-lamp biomicroscopy, and fundus examination. All patients were followed up to 6 months. RESULTS: Out of 350 children examined, 66 (18.9%) had ocular trauma. The mean age at presentation was 8.33 ± 4.03 years. Children aged 6-10 years (39.3%) were most commonly affected followed by children from 11 to 15 years (36.1%). There were no significant differences between rural (54.1%) and urban (45.9%) children. Most (63.9%) had open and 24.6% had closed globe injuries. Perforating injuries to the cornea (n=29, 47.5%) was the most common injury. Sports-related injuries were common (n= 18) followed by wooden stick- (n = 14) and firecracker-related (n = 11) injuries. In the open and closed globe injuries, 36 (92.3%) and 5 (33.3%) patients, respectively, required immediate surgical intervention. CONCLUSION: Sports-related activities were a common cause of ocular trauma in the pediatric age group in the central region of Maharashtra. We propose setting of rapid action ocular trauma team to prevent blindness occurring due to trauma.