Posterior Capsule Rupture Rates Research Articles

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists' National Ophthalmology Database study of cataract surgery: Report 17, a risk factor model for posterior capsule rupture.

To create a risk factor model for posterior capsule rupture (PCR) during cataract surgery. Eligible operations between 01/04/2016 and 31/03/2022 from centres supplying data to the UK national cataract audit with complete data including patients' gender and age at surgery, anterior chamber depth (ACD) measurement and preoperative visual acuity (VA) were included. A logistic regression model was fitted to identify risk factors and calculate their odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for PCR. This analysis included 961,208 cataract operations performed on 682,381 patients from 136 participating centres by 3198 surgeons. 9730 (1.01%) of surgeries were complicated by PCR. The median age was 75.7 and 76.7 years for first and second eye surgery respectively, and 5154 (53.0%) were female. The highest risk factors for PCR were less experienced trainee surgeon (OR 3.75, 95% CI 3.33-4.24, p < 0.001), pseudoexfoliation/phacodonesis (OR 3.47, 95% CI 3.05-3.94, p < 0.001), younger males (OR 3.05, 95% CI 2.23-4.16, p < 0.001) and brunescent/white/mature cataract (OR 2.41, 95% CI 2.24-2.60, p < 0.001). Other risk factors identified were glaucoma, worse preoperative VA, previous intravitreal therapy, high myopia, previous vitrectomy, systemic diabetes, diabetic retinopathy, amblyopia, older age, shallower ACD and inability to lie flat and cooperate. Various surgical, patient and ocular factors increase the risk of PCR during cataract surgery. This risk factor model permits estimation of individualised risks for patients and allows risk-adjustment for surgeons to evaluate their PCR rates based on case complexity.

The Royal College of Ophthalmologists' National ophthalmology database study of cataract surgery: Report 14, cohort analysis - the impact of CapsuleGuard® utilisation on cataract surgery posterior capsule rupture rates.

The aim of this study was to investigate whether the use of the silicone tipped irrigation/aspiration (I/A) handpiece CapsuleGuard® (Bausch + Lomb, Laval, Canada) reduced rates of posterior capsule rupture (PCR) during cataract surgery. Royal College of Ophthalmologists' National Ophthalmology Database (NOD) Cataract Audit data from 01/04/2010 and 31/03/2021 and Bausch + Lomb sales figures were combined to identify centres participating in national cataract audit who have routinely adopted the silicone tipped I/A handpiece, CapsuleGuard®. Data were included only from centres with eligible cataract operations recorded on the NOD both before and after adopting CapsuleGuard®. Review of the literature was undertaken to estimate the proportion of PCR that occurs during I/A, to evaluate the impact of adoption of CapsuleGuard® on PCR occurring in this phase of surgery. Within the study period, 267 371 eligible cataract operations were performed in 14 centres with >50 eligible operations both before and after adopting CapsuleGuard®. Within centres adopting CapsuleGuard®, the rate of PCR occurrence reduction was 16.4%. Before and after the adoption of CapsuleGuard® the median change of PCR was 21.7% reduction (IQR: 4.8% to 37.7% reduction). A reduction in the rate of PCR was seen after regular adoption of CapsuleGuard® during cataract operations. Review of published studies attributing PCR to various components of the cataract operation suggest around 25% of PCR may occur during I/A; adoption of CapsuleGuard may, therefore, be associated with avoidance of a substantial proportion of the PCR during that phase of surgery.

Ethnic Differences in the Rates of Posterior Capsule Rupture and Long-Term Sequelae in Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery.

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the rates of posterior capsular rupture (PCR) and its sequelae during phacoemulsification across different ethnicities. Methods This is a retrospective cohort study of all consecutive phacoemulsification cases complicated by PCR that met the inclusion criteria over a four-year period at a single tertiary eye centre in the United Kingdom (UK). Results PCR occurred in 0.85% of cases overall (157/18,481). PCR rates were 1.8% (26/1485), 1.2% (51/4350), and 0.7% (75/10,927) in African-Caribbean, Indian subcontinent, and Caucasian patients, respectively (p < 0.001). Mean final corrected distance visual acuity improved (p < 0.05) in all ethnic groups(0.40 ± 0.57 logMAR) compared to pre-op (0.78 ± 0.61 logMAR). Post-operative cystoid macular oedema and unstable intraocular pressure rates following PCR did not statistically differ amongst ethnicities (p = 0.37 and p = 0.75, respectively). However, post-operative uveitis rates significantly differed at 11.5%, 15.7%, and 1.3% amongst the three ethnic groups, respectively (p = 0.01). Conclusion This is the first study to highlight a possible link between patient ethnicity and the risk of PCR during phacoemulsification cataract surgery. We observed significantly greater numbers of PCR cases amongst certain ethnic groups (highest in African-Caribbean eyes, then Indian subcontinental eyes, and lowest in Caucasian eyes) within the same multi-cultural urban population. Ethnicity may therefore be a contributing factor for PCR and should potentially be taken into consideration during preoperative risk stratification.

Intraoperative challenges and complications of cataract surgery between cataract surgery alone and phacovitrectomy in eyes with diabetic retinopathy: efficacy of illuminated chopper-assisted cataract surgery

BackgroundTo compare the intraoperative challenges, complications, and operation time of illuminated chopper-assisted cataract surgery between cataract surgery only and phacovitrectomy in eyes with diabetic retinopathy.MethodsOne university hospital, retrospective case series. Two hundred ninety-five eyes of 295 consecutive patients with diabetic retinopathy who underwent cataract surgery only or phacovitrectomy were retrospectively reviewed. Intraoperative challenges and complications of cataract surgery were thoroughly analyzed by 3D viewing of digitally recorded videos. The pupil diameter, operation time, and improved efficacy (100/operation time × pupil diameter) were compared between the cataract surgery only and phacovitrectomy groups.ResultsOf the 295 eyes, 211 underwent cataract surgery only, and 84 underwent phacovitrectomy. Intraoperative challenges such as small pupil, miosis, or poor red reflex occurred more frequently (46 [21.8%] vs. 28 [33.3%], p = 0.029); pupil diameter was smaller (7.34 ± 0.94 vs. 6.89 ± 0.88 mm, p < 0.001) in the phacovitrectomy group than in the cataract surgery only group; however, rates of posterior capsule rupture and operation time were not different between the two groups (0 [0%] vs. 1 [1.2%], p = 0.285; 16.54 ± 2.65 vs. 16.31 ± 4.30 min, p = 0.434). Improved efficacy was higher in the phacovitrectomy group (0.85 ± 0.18 vs. 0.97 ± 0.28, p = 0.002).ConclusionsThe use of an illuminated chopper is a potential solution for diabetic cataract surgery, particularly in phacovitrectomy, by decreasing the use of supplemental devices, operation time, and posterior capsule rupture.Trial registrationRetrospectively registered.

A data-driven approach to evaluate factors affecting resident performance in cataract surgery.

To evaluate the operative duration and clinical performance of ophthalmology residents performing standard phacoemulsification cataract surgeries using information available from electronic health records (EHR). This is a retrospective cohort study. De-identified surgical records of all standard phacoemulsifications performed in a tertiary institution between 1st January 2015 and 8th August 2018 were retrieved from the hospital EHR. The main outcome measures were improvement in operative duration with case experience, corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA) improvement, and intra-operative complication rates. Twelve ophthalmology residents performed a total of 1427 standard phacoemulsifications. The median operative duration was 27min (interquartile range, 22-34min), which improved from 31 to 24min (before the 101st case [Group 1] versus 101st case onwards [Group 2], p < 0.001). Gradient change analysis (non-linear regression) showed significant reduction until the 100th case (p = 0.043). Older patients (0.019), worse pre-operative CDVA (0.343), and surgery performed by Group 1 (1.115) were significantly associated with operative duration above 30min. LogMAR CDVA improved from a mean of 0.57 ± 0.52 pre-operatively to 0.10 ± 0.18 post-operatively (p < 0.001). Posterior capsule rupture (PCR) rate decreased from 4.0% [Group 1] to 2.1% [Group 2] (p = 0.096), while overall complication rate decreased from 8.9% to 3.1% (p < 0.001). The median operative duration reduced consistently with surgical experience for the first 100 cases. Older patients, poorer pre-operative VA, and surgical experience of less than 100 cases were significantly associated with an operative duration above 30min. There was a statistically significant decrease in complication rate between Group 1 and 2.

Using Alprazolam before phacoemulsification cataract surgery reduces complications and duration of the surgery.

To evaluate the effect of preoperative Alprazolam on complications of phacoemulsification cataract surgery, duration of surgery and early reoperation rate. Records of 1026 eyes of 1026 consecutive patients underwent phacoemulsification with topical and intracameral anesthesia between 2016 and 2020years were retrospectively reviewed. Patients were divided into two groups, with or without using Alprazolam before surgery. Patients with planned first-time surgery for senile cataract and at least three months follow-up postoperatively were included. Those who had pseudoexfoliation, small pupil, zonular weakness, corneal and hearing problem as well as traumatic, brown, mature, hypermature, and posterior polar cataracts were excluded. Main outcome measures were duration of surgery, posterior capsule rupture, rapid posterior capsule opacification (PCO) formation requiring the neodymium: yttrium-aluminum-garnet (Nd:YAG) laser and reoperation rate in early postoperative periods. Alprazolam and control groups included 490 and 536 eyes, respectively. Mean surgical time was shorter in Alprazolam group (10.2 ± 3 versus 12.2 ± 4min; < 0.001). Rate of posterior capsule rupture was higher in control group (4 versus 15 eyes; = 0.02). Four eyes (0.8%) in control group underwent unplanned secondary surgical procedures in early postoperative period (P = 0.126). Rate of rapid PCO formation was higher in control group (1 versus 9 eyes; = 0.027). Using Alprazolam before phacoemulsification can lead to less posterior capsule rupture, short operation time and prevent repetitive surgery. It also reduces rapid PCO formation and, thus, early Nd:YAG laser intervention due to better cleaning the posterior capsule during surgery. We conclude that Alprazolam not only reduces intraoperative complications, but also facilitates their management.

Incidence of Posterior Capsule Rupture in Cataract Surgeries and its Association with Age and Hypertension

Background and objectives: Cataract is common in aging populations, and causes blurry vision. Once it interferes with daily activity, it is treated surgically and may lead to complications such as posterior capsule rupture (PCR). The present study aims to calculate the rate of PCR and determine its correlation with age and hypertension. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between 31st August, 2016 to 30th December, 2018 at the Department of Ophthalmology, King Hamad University Hospital (KHUH), Bahrain. A total of 458 Bahraini patients, including 199 (43.5%) women and 259 (56.5%) men with a mean age of 66.2 ± 9.186 years (S.D.), were studied. Data from medical records and the theater logbook depicted two types of procedures, phacoemulsification and extracapsular-cataract-extraction (ECCE), which were performed by a single surgeon. Data were analyzed using SPSS (Version 26.0). Results: Of the 458 patients studied, 7 patients (1.5%) developed complications. Out of these patients who developed complications, 4 (0.8%) cases were of PCR with no vitreous loss. On analysis, age was a significant risk factor for patients above 60 years (P=0.05), whereas hypertension was not a significant (P=0.760) risk factor for developing PCR as a complication. Conclusion: Low PCR rates were reported in this study. Contributing factors to this low occurrence of PCR could be the identification of high-risk patients and years of the surgeon’s experience. The study highlights that patients above 60 years were at higher risk of developing PCR complications. In contrast, patients with hypertension were at lesser risk of developing PCR complications. Keywords: Cataract, extracapsular cataract extraction, hypertension, phacoemulsification, posterior capsule rupture, vitreous loss, zonular dialysis.

An analysis of posterior capsule rupture (PCR) rate and risk stratification within the National Health Services (NHS)

AbstractPurpose: Posterior capsule rupture (PCR) is a serious complication of cataract surgery, which can lead to other complications such as cystoid macular oedema, retinal detachment and endophthalmitis1,2. The aim of our study was to firstly, ascertain the rate of PCR in patients undergoing phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implant (IOL) surgery at Rochdale Eye Unit, UK. Secondly, to identify the factors contributing to increased risk of PCR. Thirdly, to establish whether patients are being appropriately screened for risk factors for PCR.Methods: A retrospective study of patients that underwent phacoemulsification and IOL surgery between 1st September 2021 and 1st April 2022 was performed. A total of 1179 patients were obtained using electronic records (OpenEyes™https://openeyes.apperta.org/).Results: Of the 1179 patients, 18 patients (1.52%) experienced PCR with or without vitreous loss. Pre‐procedure PCR risk was not calculated for any of them. 11 (61%) cases were carried out by consultants, 6 (33%) by registrars, and 1 (6%) by an associate specialist. Increasing age (above 70 years), excess movement, and co‐morbidities were associated with an increased risk of PCR. Only 7 (0.6%) of the 1179 patients had the PCR risk estimated (using OpenEyes™ calculator) prior to booking of procedure. The calculator considers presence of glaucoma, diabetes, the density of the cataract, and experience of the surgeon, among other factors. The risk was not calculated in 1109 (94%) patients.Conclusions: The risk of PCR during phacoemulsification and IOL surgery rises with increasing patient age, presence of co‐morbidities, and procedure undertaken by junior surgeons. Through greater utilization of PCR risk calculation, encouraged with electronic prompts and educational posters, this risk can be further reduced. The method may also be adapted by other National Health Service (NHS) Trusts in their cataract listing proforma.

Posterior polar cataract: Hydrodissection and nucleus rotation in manual small-incision cataract surgery not a taboo with proper fluidics.

A posterior polar cataract is a discoid posterior polar plaque-like cataract with a thin and fragile to absent posterior capsule with adherent acellular opacity to the capsule reported in the literature. It is a stationary or slowly progressive opacity. A higher risk of complications such as posterior capsular tear and nucleus drop makes this a challenging surgery. The techniques described in the literature include bimanual irrigation aspiration, leaving the plaque for later Yag, bimanual micro phaco, Lambda technique with dry aspiration, Phaco if opacity &lt;4 mm and soft nucleus, pars plana vitrectomy (PPV), pars plana lensectomy (PPL) if opacity &gt;4 mm and soft nucleus, intra-capsular cataract extraction (ICCE) and scleral fixated intraocular lens (IOL) if opacity &gt;4 mm with the hard nucleus, viscodissection, 3 ports PPL, PPV, low parameters phaco, modified epinucleus removal, inverse horse-shoe technique, standard phacoemulsification, chip and flip for soft cataracts, stop and chop for hard cataracts, layer-by-layer phacoemulsification, standard lens aspiration, pars plicata posterior vitrecto-rhexis, manual small-incision cataract surgery, and conventional extracapsular extraction. A posterior capsule rupture rate of 0 to 36% is reported in different series for cataract extraction. To prevent this dreaded complication, surgeons used many modifications. Minimal hydrodissection in posterior polar cataract extraction was described by Fine et al. The authors describe a technique of low flow manual small-incision cataract surgery with minimal hydrodissection and nucleus rotation with no associated posterior capsule rent. This demonstrates that if the fluidics is understood and corrected, then minimal hydrodissection and nucleus rotation is not taboo in posterior polar cataract extraction by manual small-incision cataract surgery.

Impact of COVID-19 on surgical specialist training as quantified by trainee complication rates for cataract surgery.

Reduction in elective surgeries during the COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted surgical specialist training. Posterior capsule rupture rate (PCR), a complication of cataract surgery, is an objective measure of the quality of ophthalmic surgery. This study aimed to compare PCR pre- and post-COVID-19 in trainees and consultants. A single-centre consecutive cases series of cataract surgeries performed at Groote Schuur Hospital, between 1 February 2017 and 31 May 2021 were analysed. Our main outcome measure was the effect of the volume of cataract surgeries on PCRs between ophthalmology trainees and consultants before and after the COVID-19 reduction in elective surgeries on 23 March 2020. During the study period, 4 157 cataract surgeries were performed (3 493 in the 38 months pre-COVID-19 and 664 in the 14 months post-COVID-19). Fourteen ophthalmology trainees and six consultants performed 2 919 and 1 238 cataract surgeries, respectively. In the trainees the PCR was 4.4% pre-COVID-19 and 10.0% post-COVID-19 (odds ratio [OR] 2.44; p < 0.001; CI 1.71-3.47; relative risk [RR] 2.29). The PCR of consultants remained unchanged with a PCR of 3.4% pre- and post-COVID-19 (OR 1.02; p = 0.97; CI 0.42-2.46; RR 1.02). COVID-19 has caused a marked reduction in the volume of cataract surgery which has resulted in a deterioration in the performance of trainees, but not consultants, and quantifies the negative impact of the pandemic on surgical training in ophthalmology. This highlights the need to develop plans to improve surgical training during the COVID-19 recovery period.

Effect of surgical simulation training on the complication rate of resident-performed phacoemulsification

ObjectiveTo study the effect of additional training with ophthalmic surgical simulation on the intraoperative complication rates of phacoemulsification performed by residents.Methods and materialsThis was a retrospective study of phacoemulsification surgeries...

Intraoperative complications and visual outcomes of cataract surgery in patients with retinal vein occlusion: multicenter database study.

To compare the visual outcomes and the rate of intraoperative complications in eyes with and without retinal vein occlusion (RVO) after phacoemulsification over a period of 15 years in a real-world clinical setting. 8 independent U.K. National Health Service ophthalmology departments. Retrospective, multicenter cohort study. Eyes were classified based on the presence or absence of RVO. For analyzing visual acuity (VA) and the incidence of postoperative cystoid macular edema, eyes with any copathology, combined ocular surgical procedures, and intraoperative complications, or of diabetic patients were excluded. Of 178 856 eyes, 1796 eyes with RVO preoperatively and 177 060 eyes without RVO were allocated to the RVO group and the reference group, respectively. Cataract surgery in eyes with RVO was associated with an improvement in the mean VA of 0.35 logMAR (3 to 4 Snellen lines), and a substantial gain (≥0.30 logMAR units [3 Snellen lines]) was achieved in 55.10% of eyes at 4 to 12 weeks postoperatively. The mean postoperative VA was worse in eyes with RVO compared with that in eyes without RVO at 4 to 12 weeks (logMAR 0.40 vs 0.12 [20/50 vs 20/25]; P < .0001). The proportion of eyes achieving a visual gain of ≥ 0.3 logMAR (3 Snellen lines) was also lower in eyes with RVO (55.10% vs 64.55%; P = .0076). There was no statistically significant difference in posterior capsule rupture rates between the 2 groups (1.73% vs 1.72%; P = .9741). Although postoperative vision improved significantly in eyes with RVO after cataract surgery, this improvement was worse than that achieved by eyes without RVO.

Learning Curve in Phaco Chop Cataract Surgery Using an Illuminated Chopper

Purpose: To confirm that the phaco chop method using an illuminated chopper (iChopper; Oculight, Seongnam, Korea) can reduce cataract surgery complications, and that even beginners can safely and effectively perform phaco chop.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the medical records of the first 30 phaco chop cases using illuminated chopper of four cataract surgeons. Four ophthalmologists had a variety of empirical backgrounds, from those who have experienced more than 10,000 cataract surgery, to beginners who have experienced 20 cataract surgery.Results: Of the total 120 eyes, two eyes (1.67%) had posterior capsule rupture. The chopping method was changed from phaco chop to stop and chop in three eyes (2.5%) including one eye with brown cataract with pseudoexofoliation syndrome and two eyes with nuclear opacity grade ≥5.Conclusions: The rates of posterior capsule rupture of phaco chop using an illuminated chopper were very low in four surgeons with various experiences and who became proficient shortly in phaco chop.

Surgical outcomes in only eye cataract surgery.

Performing cataract surgery in the setting of only one seeing-eye has significant benefits but also potential negative consequences for both patient and surgeon. This study investigates the surgical outcomes in patients undergoing cataract surgery on their only seeing-eye. A retrospective analysis was conducted in a single tertiary centre of all adult patients who had undergone cataract surgery on their only eye, where the fellow eye had a vision of 1.0 LogMAR or worse. Complication rates and visual outcomes were compared against data from the National Ophthalmology Database (NOD) Audit. 918 patients underwent cataract surgery on their only seeing-eye and had their postoperative visual acuity recorded. The overall unadjusted complication rate was 4.0% (versus 2.5% from NOD data) with the rate of posterior capsule rupture (PCR) being 1.9% (versus 1.14% from NOD data). 72.5% (versus 91.5% from NOD data) of patients attained a post-operative visual acuity of 0.3 LogMAR or better. The grade of surgeon performing the surgery did not have a statistically significant effect on the risk of complications. In this cohort of only-eye patients undergoing cataract surgery, there was a small increased risk of operative complications including an increased, unadjusted risk of PCR, and fewer eyes achieved 0.3 LogMAR vision post-operatively compared to the NOD audit data. Grade of surgeon did not have an impact on the complication rate, indicating that with appropriate supervision, trainee surgeons may gain experience in only-eye surgery without additional risk to the patient. Further multicentre studies are recommended to assess reproducibility across units.

Effect of surgical abstinence on the risk for posterior capsule rupture during cataract surgery

To evaluate the impact of surgery restrictions on cataract surgery performance. Moorfields Eye Hospital, NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom. Retrospective, observational cross-sectional study. A single-center, retrospective review of all patients who underwent phacoemulsification surgery at Moorfields Eye Hospital between September 2019 and January 2021 was conducted. The main outcome measure was posterior capsule rupture (PCR) rate before and after COVID-19-imposed restrictions to elective cataract surgery. A total of 15 688 surgeries were performed by 256 different surgeons in the study period. In the prerestriction period (September 2019 to March 2020), the PCR rate was 0.99%, whereas in the 19-week postrestriction period, the PCR rate spiked to 1.62% (odds ratio 1.65; P = .001; CI 1.24 to 2.20; relative risk: 1.64). The COVID-19 pandemic provided a unique opportunity to assess a large group of surgeons' performances after prolonged surgical abstinence. A 19-week restriction period in surgical activity showed an increased incidence of PCR complications. This is relevant because it can concern any surgeon on the extended time off from work such as sick, sabbatical, research, and parental leave. Supporting strategies should be implemented by associated regulators to minimize this negative impact.

Posterior Capsule Rupture: Incidence Rate, Associated Characteristics and Visual Outcomes

Purpose: To see the Incidence rate, Risk factors, Associations, and Visual outcomes of posterior capsule rupture (PCR). Methods: A cross sectional study was done of all patients with PCR from June to November 2021 in a Tertiary eye care Hospital. In this study, distribution of the respondents by age, the morphology of cataract, risk factors for PCR, Surgeon’s experience, percentage of Phaco and SICS, in which steps of surgery PCR occurred, implantation of IOL following PCR were analyzed. The final visual outcome of cases with PCR was measured. Results: Among 7650 patients, who underwent cataract surgery during the study period, 142 had eventful cataract surgery with various per operative complications, and PCR was the most common (n = 94). Most of the study population was in the age group 61-70 years (37.2%). About 45% were male, and 55% were female. Among 94 cases, PCR occurred in 65 patients (69.1%) during Phaco and 29 (30.8%) cases during SICS. There was no statistically significant difference between Phaco and SICS for PCR (&gt; 0.05). In most patients (26.1%), PCR occurred during cataract surgeries irrigation and aspiration step. The most common risk factors for developing PCR were small pupil (10.6%) and corneal opacity (9.5%). PCR was higher by trainee surgeons rather than by senior surgeons. There was a statistically significant improvement in postoperative visual acuity even when PCR occurred during surgery (P&lt; 0.001). Conclusions: PCR occurs in all cataract surgeries and is the main intraoperative complication. This study identified the incidence rate and risk factors of occurring PCR during cataract surgery in a tertiary eye hospital of Bangladesh, which may assist in the application of preventive measures to decrease rates of PCR. Eyes having posterior capsule rupture at the time of cataract surgery have a significant risk of reduced visual acuity.

Changing operating room practices: the effect on postoperative endophthalmitis rates following cataract surgery

PurposeTo determine whether four new operating room (OR) protocols instituted because of COVID-19 reduced the cataract surgical postoperative endophthalmitis rate (POE).DesignRetrospective, sequential, clinical registry study.Methods85 552 sequential patients undergoing cataract...

Rate of Posterior Capsule Rupture in Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery by Residents with Institution of a Wet Laboratory Course

Abstract Purpose To determine if a structured surgical wet laboratory curriculum for ophthalmology residents reduced the rate of posterior capsule rupture (PCR) in phacoemulsification cataract surgery. Setting James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital, Tampa, FL. Design Retrospective cohort study. Methods The study assessed resident-performed phacoemulsification cataract cases from 2011 to 2017, after the creation of a wet laboratory course. Primary outcome measure was PCR. If present, timing of complication, dropped lens fragments, and the need for anterior vitrectomies were noted. Self-reported rates of PCR prior to institution of a wet laboratory course (2010–2011) were compared with cases done by residents who completed the course (2011–2017). Results A total of 3,445 cases were reviewed of which 2.44% (84 cases) noted PCR. Of these, 19% (16) had dropped lens fragments, and 60.7% (51) required anterior vitrectomy. Sixty-nine cases documented timing of PCR with the majority, 58%, occurring during phacoemulsification. When comparing rates of PCR in cases done prior to the presence of a wet laboratory course versus after, there was a significant reduction observed (5.20% before vs. 2.44% after). Conclusion In the presence of a wet laboratory curriculum, the rate of PCR decreased dramatically. The average rate was lower than those reported at other training programs (2.6–9.9%). Most PCR occurred during phacoemulsification, suggesting need for further focused instruction in this step.

Confidence of UK Ophthalmology Registrars in Managing Posterior Capsular Rupture: Results from a National Trainee Survey.

IntroductionTo establish the level of confidence amongst UK ophthalmology specialist registrars (residents) in managing posterior capsule rupture (PCR) during cataract surgery.MethodsAn online nine-item questionnaire was distributed to all registrars, recruited nationwide via regional representatives. Data collected included stage of training, number of completed cataract operations, cumulative PCR rate, number of PCRs independently managed, understanding of vitrectomy settings and fluidic parameters and access to simulation. Respondents self-evaluated their confidence in managing PCR with vitreous loss.ResultsComplete responses were obtained from 248 registrars (35% response rate). Mean number of phacoemulsification procedures performed was 386. For senior registrars (OST 6–7), 35 out of 70 (50%) felt confident to manage PCR independently and 55 out of 70 (78.6%) were either quite confident or very confident at deciding when to implant an intraocular lens during PCR management. Lower confidence levels were noted for junior trainees (OST 1–2). Over 65% of survey respondents had access to relevant simulation.ConclusionsOur results represent the largest UK survey analysing the confidence of PCR management amongst registrars. Confidence improves with duration of training and increased exposure to management of PCR. However, 50% of senior registrars still lacked confidence to independently manage PCR and vitreous loss. A specific competency-based framework, potentially using a simulator or simulating a PCR event, incorporated into the curriculum may be desirable.

The Learning Curve of the Deliberate Practice of Phacoemulsification in the Ophthalmic Training System

Objective: To determine the number of surgeries needed for trainees to achieve competence in performing phacoemulsification with deliberate practice (DP). Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective observational study, the residents were observed as they progressed through their third year of residency. Resident and patient demographic data were recorded. Complexities of the cases and surgical steps and rate of surgical complications were recorded. Self and staff assessments as to the DP learning zone attained by the trainees were collected. Risk adjusted-cumulative summation (RA-CUSUM) was used to evaluate the competency of the trainees to achieve the acceptable posterior capsule rupture (PCR) rate of 5%. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to determine the median number of surgeries required to attain competency. Results: Eight of the 10 trainees achieved competence in performing phacoemulsification. A median of 28 cases and 278 days was required before competence was attained. There were no statistically significant associations between the achievement of competence and the gender of the trainees, perceived complexity of the cases, or the grade-point average of the residents during their tenure in medical school. A median of four cases were required for a shift in the trainees’ DP confidence levels from “panic” to “learning” from self-assessment, while the median of ten case were required from staff assessment. The PCR was 8.53% and dropped to 6% at two years after the trainees finished residency training. Conclusion: Trainees require at least 28 cases of non-complicated phacoemulsification surgery to achieve a minimum level of competency. The perceived skill in performing phacoemulsification differs between novice and experienced surgeons. Phacoemulsification skills can be further developed after graduating from the training program. Assisting staff should be attentive when trainees perform lens nucleus division and lens nucleus removal to avoid complications. Keywords: Residency training; Phacoemulsification; CUSUM; Deliberate practice; Cataract