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Physiological Responses During Phacoemulsification Cataract Surgery and Perceived Stress Among Ophthalmology
Armin Doostparast1, Bahareh Kermani1,2, Farbod Semnani3
1Eye Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
Clinical Ophthalmology (Auckland, N.Z.)
|June 12, 2026
Summary
Ophthalmology trainees experience increased physiological stress during phacoemulsification cataract surgery, particularly in later stages. Addressing these stress levels is crucial for improving surgical training and trainee well-being.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Surgical Education
- Physiology
Background:
- Intraoperative stress impacts surgical performance and trainee well-being in precise ophthalmic surgeries.
- Phacoemulsification cataract surgery presents unique challenges for trainees due to its micro-level precision requirements.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate subjective stress and objective physiological responses in ophthalmology trainees during phacoemulsification cataract surgery.
- To identify factors influencing stress levels and physiological changes in surgical trainees.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 59 ophthalmology residents and fellows.
- Recorded systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate (HR), and SpO2 during key surgical steps.
- Assessed perceived stress using the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-14).
Main Results:
- SBP and HR significantly increased during surgery, peaking during lens removal and IOL implantation.
- Less experienced trainees showed higher DBP trends.
- Female surgeons and less experienced trainees reported higher perceived stress (PSS-14).
Conclusions:
- Physiological stress responses increase during cataract surgery, influenced by experience and individual factors.
- Findings highlight the need for targeted strategies to support ophthalmology trainee well-being.
- Improving surgical training environments is essential, especially for susceptible individuals.
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