Evaluation of the learning curve of laser peripheral iridectomy: the 20th case reaches the turning point

AIM: To explore the learning curve for ophthalmologists at the start of laser peripheral iridectomy (LPI) training.
METHODS: The learning curve of 4 doctor groups without previous LPI experience was studied. Three main parameters of LPI were reviewed: total energy, argon energy and neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) energy. Procedures were evaluated in cohorts of 20 cases to identify the turning points of the three variables.
RESULTS: There was no significant difference in terms of age or eye among the 4 doctor groups. There were stable trends on the learning curve for the Doctor A and C groups regarding total energy and argon energy. In addition, the turning points on the learning curve were determined after the 20th procedure for the Doctor B and D groups regarding total energy and argon energy. Moreover, the Nd:YAG energy was relatively stable since the first procedure.
CONCLUSION: It requires approximately 20 procedures for a beginner to reach a turning point on the learning curve regarding LPI. It can serve as a point of reference or guideline for training beginners to perform LPI.