Introduction The ability to reduce illumination levels is generally accepted as one of the main benefits of a three-dimensional heads-up system (3D system: Ngenuity®; Alcon, CA, USA). Some studies have focused on illumination reduction in vitreoretinal procedures; however, information regarding illumination reduction in cataract surgery has not been published. Purpose This study aimed to compare the illumination of the operational field with a 3D system and a standard microscope eyepiece during cataract surgery. Subject and methods We retrospectively evaluated 91 eyes of 84 consecutive patients who were undergoing cataract surgery at our hospital. We used the 3D system and the eyepiece on alternative days. We determined the minimum light intensity required for safe surgery using the foot switch of the microscope (OMS800; Topcon, Tokyo, Japan). Illuminance on the ocular surface and the minimum illuminance required for the operation were calculated from the minimum light intensity. Results The 3D system was used in 45 eyes (3D group), and the eyepiece was used in 46 eyes (eyepiece group). The values of minimum illuminance in the 3D group were significantly lower than those in the eyepiece group (3D: 5500 ± 2000 lux, eyepiece: 11,900 ± 1800 lux; p < 0.001*). In addition, the illuminance of the operational field was reduced by 60.4% on average using the 3D system. Conclusion With real-time digital processing and automated brightness control, the 3D system reduced ocular surface illumination by 50% or more. Hence, the 3D system may contribute to reducing the risk of retinal phototoxicity and patient photophobia.

The compliance was considerably varied among patients. Some patients failed nearly or more than half times, and they were mostly males. The significance of the FDP to treat rhegmatogenous retinal detachment needs to be examined in a further investigation.

PurposeTo determine adherence to face-down positioning (FDP) among patients who underwent vitrectomy and gas tamponade for macular hole (MH) repair.MethodA total of 69 patients (37 females and 32 males) who underwent primary vitrectomy for MH repair were studied. Nurses recorded whether the patient complied with FDP each time they examined the patient. FDP score was obtained from the nursing records; patients were given a score of 1 if they complied with the FDP and 0 if they did not. The score was recorded four times per day for the first 3 postoperative days. A perfect FDP score was 12.ResultsThe mean ± standard deviation of the FDP scores was 10.6±1.8 (range: 4–12). Overall, 32 (46.4%) patients scored a perfect 12, and 7 (10.1%) patients scored <8. Failure of the MH closure was observed in only one patient (1.4%), who showed the poorest adherence to FDP (score =4). Consequently, the closure rate in patients with FDP score <7 (2/3, 66.7%) was significantly lower than in patients with an FDP score ≥7 (66/66, 100%) (P<0.05, Fisher’s exact probability test).ConclusionWhile adherence to FDP after MH surgery was better than that observed after vitrectomy for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments in our previous study, the percentage of patients with FDP scores <8 did not differ. Statistically, the poor adherence to FDP can negatively impact the effectiveness of the surgery for MH repair.

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ObjectiveTo determine the adherence to the face-down positioning (FDP) in 296 patients who had undergone vitrectomy and gas tamponade.ResultsWe studied 119 female and 177 male patients who had undergone primary vitrectomy and gas tamponade for a macular hole (MH) or for rhegmatogenous retinal detachments (RRDs). Adherence was assessed and recorded four times per day for 3 days postsurgery. The mean ± standard deviation adherence rate was 88.3 ± 11.7 (range 50.0–100.0). Female patients (90.8 ± 10.0) had significantly better adherence than male patients (86.7 ± 13.3; P < 0.02, U test). The adherence was significantly better after MH surgery (90.8 ± 11.7) than after RRD surgery (87.5 ± 12.5; P < 0.02). There were diurnal variations in adherence, being highest in the evening and significantly lower at midnight, and we evidenced a decline in adherence over time, with it being significantly low on the last follow-up day. Adherence to the FDP varied considerably among patients. Adherence was higher in female than in male patients, and higher in patients with MH than in those with RRD. We found patients age had no effect on adherence. Adherence also varied with time, being worst at midnight and declining over time.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1186/s13104-018-3257-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.