Analyzing various surgical steps necessitating ambidexterity in ophthalmology.

Abstract

Dear Editor, Ambidexterity is necessary for any surgeon where the right-handed surgeon uses the left hand and vice versa (non-dominant hand). Most of the ophthalmic surgical procedures require mixed handedness for a faster, smoother, and better post-operative outcome.[1] Various sporting activities, playing video games, driving a four-wheeler, brushing, combing, eating, and so on have helped surgeons face less difficulty using the non-dominant hand or foot. Hand laterality and ambidexterity have been well explored in general surgery, neurosurgery, and laparoscopic surgery but less in ophthalmic surgery.[2] It is highly imperative to acquire ambidexterity early in a surgeon’s career. Still, on the contrary, non-dominant proficiency may not always be associated with an enhanced surgical outcome, as shown by Saleh et al.[3] The future of ophthalmic surgery is rapidly changing with simulators, robotics, artificial intelligence, and 3D visualization systems and the fusion of technology. Lombana et al. studied the implication of ambidexterity in surgical training by comparing right-handed and left-handed surgeons and found that left-handed individuals have a greater degree of ambidexterity than their right-handed counterparts. They also found that the perceived difference may not be solely because of innate skill or dexterity but may be because of a combination of external influences.[4] We read the interesting article by Ramesh et al.,[5] highlighting the use of ambidexterity in ophthalmic surgical procedures, and we must congratulate the authors on touching on this important aspect of surgery. This article prompted us to explore more on ambidexterity. Here, we have listed various ophthalmology surgical steps requiring ambidexterity which we believe will benefit all the surgeons, especially the young surgeons who have just started training [Table 1]. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first article highlighting ambidexterity in various surgical procedures in ophthalmology.Table 1: Depicting the various common surgical procedures requiring ambidexterityFinancial support and sponsorship Nil. Conflicts of interest There are no conflicts of interest.