Characteristics of hand motion of eye surgeons

Overall manual accuracy and motion frequency in simulated microsurgery have been studied. Eye surgeons were tested in two tasks: attempting to hold an instrument still, and repeatedly actuating. Rms error and overall motion range were measured. Spectral analysis was also performed. The average rms error was 49μm and 133μm, respectively, for the two test conditions, and the average range of motion while trying to hold still was 202μm. Substantial low frequency motion occurred under both conditions. On average, 98.9% of the total power of voluntary movements tested was found to be below 2 Hz.