Computer-based virtual reality simulator for phacoemulsification cataract surgery training

Recent research in virtual reality indicates that computer-based simulators are an effective technology to use for surgeons learning to improve their surgical skills in a controlled environment. This article presents the development of a virtual reality simulator for phacoemulsification cataract surgery training, which is the most common surgical technique currently being used to remove cataracts from the patient’s eyes. The procedure requires emulsifying the cloudy natural lens of the eye and restoring vision by implanting an artificial lens through a small incision. The four main procedures of cataract surgery, namely corneal incision, capsulorhexis, phacoemulsification, and intraocular lens implantation, are incorporated in the simulator for virtual surgical training by implementing several surgical techniques. The surgical activity that are applied on the anatomy of the human eye, such as incision, grasping, tearing, emulsification, rotation, and implantation, are simulated in the system by using different types of mesh modifications. A virtual reality surgical simulator is developed, and the main procedures of phacoemulsification cataract surgery are successfully simulated in the system. The simulation results of the training system show that the developed simulator is capable of generating a virtual surgical environment with faithful force feedback for medical residents and trainees to conduct their training lessons via the computer using a pair of force-feedback haptic devices. In addition, the successful simulation of the mesh modifications on the human eyeball with visual realism and faithful force feedback throughout the surgical operation shows that the developed simulator is able to serve as a virtual surgical platform for surgeons to train their surgical skills.