A simple eye model for practicing retinal membrane peeling surgery

Abstract Background To develop and evaluate the educational utility of a simple eye model for retinal membrane peeling training. Methods A pilot, cross-sectional study included five ophthalmology trainees with prior intraocular surgery experience but no previous membrane peeling experience, and five vitreoretinal experts. A low-cost model was developed using a 60 ml syringe, reused microforceps, light probe, microscope, and vinegar-soaked chicken eggshells to simulate membrane peeling and related vitreoretinal surgical skills. Experts assessed the model’s realism using a 4-point scale. Novices completed pre- and post-task evaluation, after completing three prerequisite tasks: BIOM setup, microscopic adjustments, and micro-forceps proficiency. Membrane peeling performance was assessed for flap creation and complete membrane peeling. Pre-training and post-training novice scores were analyzed. Results Novices showed encouraging trends toward improved task performance. The mean membrane-peeling time decreased from 459.00 ± 299.26 to 238.60 ± 163.92 s ( P  = 0.063). Improvements were also observed in the flap-creation score (0.00 ± 0.00 vs. 1.40 ± 0.89; P  = 0.125), flap-creation time (67.80 ± 14.84 vs. 40.40 ± 47.26 s; P  = 0.313), and membrane-peeling score (0.60 ± 0.55 vs. 1.60 ± 0.42; P  = 0.125); however, none of these differences reached statistical significance. The model was rated as user-friendly and effective overall (2.60 ± 0.55 out of 3), particularly for BIOM assembly (2.80 ± 0.45 out of 3) and micro-forceps manipulation (2.40 ± 0.55 out of 3). Experts agreed that the model helped build surgical confidence (2.40 ± 0.89 out of 4). Realism was rated highly for BIOM assembly and mask setup (3.60 ± 0.55 and 3.40 ± 0.55 out of 4, respectively), whereas tactile feedback received moderate ratings (2.00 ± 1.22 out of 4); one expert rated it 3, and two rated it 2. Conclusions This simple eye model provides an accessible platform for practicing basic membrane-peeling tasks and has potential utility for developing membrane-peeling skills within a simulation setting.