Trypan Blue Dye For Anterior Capsule Staining During Routine Phacoemsulfication By Beginning Resident Surgeons

Abstract

Purpose: : To determine if the use of trypan blue dye in routine phacoemulsification surgery by novice resident surgeons is of benefit.

Methods: : A prospective randomized controlled study involving 117 eyes was performed. The early experience of eight resident surgeons was assessed. Sixty seven (67) eyes were selected randomly for the use of trypan blue dye to stain the anterior capsule prior to performing capsulorrhexis. This was compared to 50 eyes in the control group in which the same surgeons performed capsulorrhexis without trypan blue. The measurement outcome of each surgery was whether a successful capsulorrhexis was achieved by the resident surgeon. A successful capsulorrhexis was defined as a completed curvilinear capsulorrhexis which could be visualized for 360 degrees within the borders of the dilated pupil.

Results: : A successful capsulorrhexis was achieved in 61 out of 67 eyes using trypan blue and 38 out of 50 eyes where no dye was used. The results revealed a statistically significant improvement (Fisher’s exact test P=0.0372) in capsulorrhexis outcome by novice resident surgeons in eyes in which trypan blue was used.

Conclusions: : Staining of the anterior lens capsule with trypan blue during phacoemulsification may help the novice resident surgeon in attaining a successful capsulorrhexis.

Keywords: cataract • learning • clinical (human) or epidemiologic studies: outcomes/complications