Novel 3D-printed coaxial light microscope adapter for ophthalmic wet laboratory

To compare the usability and training effectiveness of a 3D-printed coaxial illumination system mounted on an off-the-shelf stereomicroscope with a professional ophthalmic surgical microscope, in cataract surgery simulation.

Ophthalmology Lab, Ophthalmology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Neurosciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.

Prospective randomized crossover study.

20 ophthalmology residents performed simulated cataract surgery steps, including corneal incisions, capsulorhexis, hydrodissection, and corneal suturing, in porcine eyes using an off-the-shelf stereomicroscope and a Zeiss OPMI Lumera 700. The stereomicroscope was equipped with a 3D-printed coaxial light adapter. After each simulation, participants completed a 5-item evaluation questionnaire (5-point Likert scale) and the System Usability Scale (SUS).

The Zeiss microscope received significantly higher scores for image quality (4.15 vs 3.40, P < .001) and red reflex visibility (4.10 vs 3.25, P < .001). No significant differences were observed in depth perception, ergonomics, or ease of instrument handling. The stereomicroscope scored higher in the SUS (80.5 ± 5.48 vs 66.6 ± 4.95, P < .001).

The modified stereomicroscope with 3D-printed coaxial illumination represents a cost-effective alternative for ophthalmic wet laboratory training. Despite lower optical performance, its usability and affordability make it a valuable tool for simulation-based education, particularly in low-resource settings.