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Formalin-assisted training eyes for ophthalmic wet lab practice
Annamalai Odayappan1, Syed Mohammad Sulaiman2, Sivagami Nachiappan3
1Medical Consultant, Glaucoma Services, Aravind Eye Hospital, Pondicherry, India.
Indian Journal of Ophthalmology
|November 27, 2021
Summary
Ophthalmology surgical training relies on wet labs. A new formalin injection method salvages collapsed donor eyes, improving microsurgical practice and resource utilization.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Education
- Anatomical Preservation
Background:
- Ophthalmologists require wet lab training for microsurgery.
- Donor eye availability for practice is limited, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Collapsed donor eyes present significant training challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a novel method for salvaging collapsed donor eyeballs.
- To enhance the quality and duration of surgical training using preserved globes.
- To optimize the utilization of limited donor eye resources in wet labs.
Main Methods:
- Collapsing donor eyeballs were injected with formalin.
- Slow boluses of formalin were administered into the vitreous cavity.
- Globe integrity was maintained for extended periods.
Main Results:
- The formalin injection method successfully salvaged collapsed eyeballs.
- Maintained globe integrity facilitated improved surgical training.
- Reduced need for repeated injections allowed for optimal resource utilization.
Conclusions:
- Formalin injection is an effective technique for preserving collapsed donor eyes.
- This method enhances the feasibility and quality of ophthalmology wet lab training.
- Salvaging collapsed globes maximizes the utility of limited anatomical specimens for surgical education.
