Impact of Refractive Errors on Da Vinci SI Robotic System

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Robotic Surgery

Background:

• Refractive errors are common and can affect visual performance.
• Robotic surgery requires high levels of visual acuity and precision.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effect of refractive errors on binocular visual acuity during Da Vinci SI robotic system console use.
• To determine the impact of uncorrected refractive errors on surgical performance metrics.

Main Methods:

• Eighty volunteers used a near vision chart on the Da Vinci SI console.
• Refractive errors, anisometropia, and stereoacuity were measured.
• Binocular visual acuity (LogMAR) was assessed with and without correction (DiffLogMAR).

Main Results:

• Myopia/astigmatism significantly impacted DiffLogMAR (p < 0.001); myopia >1.75D showed higher DiffLogMAR (p < 0.05).
• Presbyopia significantly increased DiffLogMAR (p < 0.01) with a cutoff of 1.25D (p < 0.001).
• Hypermetropia correlated with DiffLogMAR (p < 0.01) and affected stereotactic view (p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

• Surgeons with myopia >1.75D, presbyopia >1.25D, or any hypermetropia need proper visual correction for robotic surgery.
• Undercorrected refractive errors can impair visual acuity and stereoacuity during robotic procedures.
• Ensuring adequate correction optimizes surgeon performance and patient safety in robotic-assisted surgery.