A new device for ocular surgical training on enucleated eyes.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a reliable inexpensive device for teaching ocular surgical procedures and practicing experimental techniques on enucleated eyes.


METHODS
Teaching device trial.


METHODS
Thirty enucleated porcine eyes.


METHODS
A Plexiglas ocular bulb holder was secured with its base support to a polyvinylchloride pillar on a modified polystyrene trial head.


METHODS
The convenience and reproducibility of both laser and surgical ocular techniques performed with this new device were evaluated.


RESULTS
This model allows curvilinear capsulorrhexis and phacoemulsification of porcine lenses through a corneal tunnel incision and insertion of a soft foldable acrylic intraocular lens into the capsular bag. Argon and neodymium:YAG laser iridotomy and retinal argon laser photocoagulation can also be performed with this model.


CONCLUSIONS
This inexpensive device is useful for teaching both surgical and laser ocular procedures.
Porrello
G
G
Institute of Ophthalmology, Catholic University, Rome, Italy. gporrello@pelagus.it
Giudiceandrea
A
A
Salgarello
T
T
Tamburrelli
C
C
Scullica
L
L
D000818:Animals; D015353:Eye Enucleation; D007498:Iris / Q000601:surgery; D017075:Laser Coagulation / Q000379:methods; D053685:Laser Therapy; D019654:Lens Implantation, Intraocular / Q000379:methods; D008954:Models, Biological; D013508:Ophthalmologic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000193:education* / Q000295:instrumentation; D018918:Phacoemulsification / Q000379:methods; D013552:Swine; D013663:Teaching / Q000379:methods*