Haptic Surgery Simulation for Cataract

Abstract

Virtual Reality may be considered a computational tool often used to aid in medical training, specially in surgical training. That allows surgeons to gain dexterity and experience in surgery without risking real patient lifes, reducing the probability of medical errors to occur, henceforth providing a better quality of life to patients. Due to the fragility of the human eye, more than most other areas of medicine, ophthalmology can greatly benefit from surgical simulations. One of the most common surgeries in that field, cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed. It increases the quality of life of the patient greatly, as it reestablishes their proper sight. This work introduces a cataract surgery simulator. The simulator uses a tactile device to increase its effectiveness. It provides the user with theoretic and practical knowledge. The simulator uses a serious game approach, containing four phases to be subdued. A set of interactive menus allow the user to control the procedure, which is actually performed through the tactile device (a Geomagic Touch). The user, henceforth, gains dexterity, which shall be useful in real life surgeries performed in the future