Purpose
To create a synthetic eye model system that allows residents to practice ophthalmic laser procedures before attempting them on human patients
Methods
The outer shell of the model was constructed using a ping pong ball cut in half and a corneal mold separated from used Ozil® Phaco Artificial Eyes. A 7 mm circle was cut out of one of the halves to mimic the pupil. Then, the corneal mold was glued anterior to it. The retina was simulated by carefully adhering two Tegaderm™ Films on the concave surface of the other half. Fundus details and the trabecular meshwork were drawn on using permanent markers. Finally, the two segments were taped together and placed on an extension clamp to position the eye on the slit lamp.
Results
Retinal photocoagulation was performed using a slit-lamp argon laser delivery system and a standard fundus contact lens, whereas trabeculoplasty was executed with a standard mirrored contact lens and either a frequency doubled Nd: YAG or argon laser. When the laser was applied to the model retina, a white treatment spot was created indicating a successful application. For trabeculoplasty, successful treatment resulted in focal blanching of the ink. Indirect laser retinopexy and focal grid laser were also practiced and produced comparable results. The eye model can be reused by simply replacing the Tegaderm film and re-inking the trabecular meshwork.
Conclusions
To our knowledge, this synthetic eye model, low in cost and simple to construct, is the first device of its kind to offer training for anterior and posterior segment laser procedures. Cadaveric and animal eye models for practicing laser procedures already exist, but are limited by postmortem corneal opacification, cost, availability, reusability, and biohazard. Our model closely simulates natural conditions and the hand-eye coordination required to perform laser procedures and allows residents to gain the skills and confidence needed to perform them on patients.
Keywords: 578 laser •
579 learning •
688 retina