The Metaverse in Ophthalmology?

A review of current and upcoming virtual reality simulators for microsurgical training.

Geoffrey Nguyen, MD, and Paul Kang, MD

Cataract and Refractive Surgery Today

The use of virtual reality (VR) for ophthalmologic surgical training is a captivating topic. Recent technological advances have propelled an unprecedented level of research in this area—especially timely during the COVID-19 pandemic. This public health emergency prompted ophthalmology residency programs to explore surgical training resources that allow residents to practice microsurgical skills without direct patient contact. The proliferation of VR headsets, haptic technology, and virtual education has enabled educational innovators to offer a reliable, high-fidelity alternative to traditional surgical training methods. These innovative simulators allow ophthalmology trainees to receive real-time feedback and visual guidance for cataract and vitreoretinal surgery from educators worldwide. Some devices have become foundational to the surgical curricula of many ophthalmology institutions, whereas others are just becoming commercially available. This brief overview highlights some remarkable surgical simulators and future plans for integrating VR into ophthalmology. EyeSi Surgical Simulator The EyeSi Surgical Simulator (Haag-Streit USA), the most established device of its kind, has been integrated into more than 650 ophthalmology residency programs worldwide. The unit comprises a virtual operating microscope for simulating stereoscopic images, handheld probes for simulating instruments when inserted into an artificial eye, and a programmable virtual environment for phaco cataract or vitreoretinal surgery. Tasks can be performed while an instructor monitors them on a viewing panel (Figure 1).

Treating Astigmatism With Femtosecond Laser

Omar F. Almallah, MD

Eyetube

This video demonstrates treating up to 2 diopters of against-the-rule regular astigmatism with femtosecond laser using a triplanar, self-sealing, clear corneal incision and maintaining excellent wound closure with IOL implantation.

Tailoring IVT Dosing With Vitreous Volume

We have heard the adage, “As much as necessary, as little as possible,” with regard to medication. Can we apply it to intravitreal therapy?

Andreas F. Borkenstein, MD

Retina Today

The vitreous humor, which makes up approximately 80% of the eye, provides nutrients, maintains the eye’s shape and structure, and helps to ensure clear vision.