Virtual reality training for cataract surgery operating performance in ophthalmology trainees.

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Medical Education
• Surgical Simulation

Background:

• Cataract surgery is a common procedure and crucial for ophthalmology training.
• Virtual reality (VR) training is increasingly used in US ophthalmology programs.
• Comprehensive reviews on VR's impact on trainee performance are lacking.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess VR training's effect on postgraduate ophthalmology trainees' surgical performance.
• Key metrics included operating time, complication rates, and physician/simulator ratings.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing VR training with other methods.
• Searched multiple databases (CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed, LILACS, ClinicalTrials.gov, WHO ICTRP) without date/language restrictions.
• Included six RCTs with 151 trainees; data analysis focused on primary (OR time, intraoperative complications) and secondary outcomes.

Main Results:

• Evidence for VR training benefits is very low-certainty and uncertain.
• VR training showed potential for shorter operating times compared to no supplementary training (MD -17 min).
• Results were inconsistent when comparing VR to wet laboratory training for operating times and complication rates.

Conclusions:

• VR training may enhance trainee performance in cataract surgery compared to no supplementary training, but evidence remains uncertain.
• The effectiveness of VR training compared to conventional or wet laboratory training is less consistent.
• Further high-quality research is needed to clarify VR's role in surgical education.