Post-operative outcomes of phacoemulsification by senior resident

Purpose: To study post-operative outcomes of phacoemulsification in 25 cases done by senior resident. Materials and Methods: This was retrospective, interventional study done after obtaining written informed consent from patients. Any patient having immature cataract (up to Grade 3 nuclear sclerosis) and operated by same senior resident for phacoemulsification were included in study. Patient with brown and mature cataracts and any ocular co-morbidities were excluded. A detailed history and examination of visual acuity and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) for distance and near, anterior segment with slit lamp biomicroscope and posterior segment with direct/indirect ophthalmoscopy was done and cataract was graded. Phacoemulsification was done by divide and conquer technique in all cases. Patient was examined on 1st post-operative day, 1 week post-operatively and 1.5 months post-surgery for BCVA, corneal edema, iridocyclitis, intraocular pressure (IOP) and endothelial cell count (ECC). Visual recovery, duration of full recovery, resolution of corneal edema and iridocyclitis, rise in IOP, count of endothelial cells after surgery were analyzed. Results: All patients got BCVA ? 6/9 at final follow-up, no patient had residual corneal edema or iridocyclitis after 2 weeks. One patient developed IOP rise due to steroid response which was controlled medically. There was 11.6% loss of ECC at final-follow up visit. Conclusion: Divide and conquer method of phacoemulsification is safe in beginner's hands with no significant difference in long term visual outcomes, however recovery takes long time compared to experienced surgeon.