Eye surgery simulator for training intracular operation of inner limiting membrane

Abstract

We established a brand-new eye surgery simulator for training of peeling the inner limited membrane (ILM) which is superficial layer of retina. This simulator included a novel artificial ILM with mechanical properties similar to natural ILM. We could peel the artificial ILM under water like as actual surgery. An artificial eye consisting of a fundus and eye ball parts was fabricated. The artificial eye could be installed in the simulator. The fundus part was mounted in the eyeball, which consisted of an artificial sclera, retina, and ILM. The artificial ILM was fabricated by chemically crosslinked PVA hydrogel. Thickness measurement and sensory evaluation of the fabricated ILM were done. The minimum thickness of the artificial ILM was 1.9 ± 0.3 μm (n = 3). We could perform the peeling task with the ILM in water. Based on the sensory evaluation, an ILM with a minimum thickness and 1000 degrees of polymerization was suitable for training to novice doctors. We installed the eye model on an ocular surgery simulator, which could perform a sequence of operations like ILM peeling. Then, we succeeded in developing a novel ocular surgery simulator for peeling task of ILM and peeling under water like as the actual surgery.