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Study: Moderate caffeine intake may improve surgical performance
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FLORENCE, Italy — A moderate intake of caffeine enhances performance in retina microsurgery, according to a poster presented at the FLOREtina meeting by a group of retina surgeons from Mexico City.
Using a microsurgical simulator, the effects of caffeine on the performance of experienced retina surgeons were evaluated. Under usual conditions on a random day, each surgeon underwent a test on a baseline simulator level (anti-tremor test and ILM peeling level 1) to get acquainted with the machine. A week later, the same surgeons underwent the same test at a higher level (anti-tremor and ILM peeling level 4) before and 40 minutes after consumption of 200 mg of caffeine. Both surgical performances were measured by the same masked technician, and blood pressure and heart rate were measured.
Caffeine intake improved the performance of all surgeons, according to the study authors. All surgeons obtained a better score in all the simulator’s parameters. No changes were found in heart rate and blood pressure.
The authors concluded that caffeine improves alertness and concentration, at least at the 200-mg dose used in the study. A second phase of the study is ongoing, with double the dose of caffeine. – by Michela Cimberle
Reference:
Lopez A. Caffeine effects on microsurgical retina performance. Presented at: FLOREtina meeting. Dec. 10-13, 2015; Florence, Italy.
Disclosure: The authors report no relevant financial disclosures.