About

Dr. Brian DeBroff is a Professor of Ophthalmology & Visual Science at Yale School of Medicine, where he also serves as an affiliated faculty member at the Yale Institute for Global Health. He specializes in cataract and intraocular lens (IOL) implantation surgery, with particular clinical and research interests in Femtosecond Laser Assisted Cataract Surgery, Optiwave Refractive Analysis using intraoperative wavefront analysis for optimizing refractive results with implant surgery, and multifocal and EDOF IOLs after cataract surgery. Dr. DeBroff is a preceptor trained in the Catalys Precision Laser Cataract System and has been appointed Director of cataract and IOL implant surgery at Yale since 1999. He has held multiple leadership roles including Chief of Ophthalmology at VA Connecticut, Chief of Ophthalmology at Yale New Haven Health/Bridgeport, and Residency Program Director. His academic background includes graduation from Tufts University School of Medicine, where he was inducted into the Sir William Osler and Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Societies, and training at the University of Pittsburgh and Gimbel Eye Center in Calgary, Alberta. Dr. DeBroff has authored over 100 publications, including a book on phacoemulsification cataract surgery, and has contributed to seven book chapters. He is the Editor-in-Chief of Advances in Ophthalmology & Visual System and serves on the editorial boards of several prominent ophthalmology journals. Recognized for his expertise, he has received numerous awards, including induction into the IIIC (International Intra-Ocular Implant Society) and being named among the Best Cataract Surgeons in America.

Research topics

• Ophthalmology
• Medicine
• Psychology
• Optometry
• Audiology
• Virology
• Multimedia
• Immunology
• Anesthesia
• Family medicine
• Pathology
• Psychiatry

Selected publications

• Reverse optic capture in cataract surgery: techniques, indications, and outcomes

  Frontiers in Ophthalmology · 2026-03-11

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Reverse optic capture (ROC) is a surgical technique in which the optic of an intraocular lens (IOL) is positioned anterior to the anterior capsulotomy opening, while the haptics remain within the capsular bag. Described originally as a method to secure fixation in cases of posterior capsular rupture, ROC has since evolved as a surgical maneuver to address fixation of an IOL in the setting of a not-intact posterior capsule, toric IOL rotation, treatment of negative dysphotopsia, and correction of unanticipated postoperative hyperopia. This review highlights the development, indications, and outcomes of ROC, as well as its advantages, limitations, and future directions. Additionally, we present a case of ROC utilized to treat negative dysphotopsia. As surgical techniques and IOL technologies continues to evolve, further prospective investigation will help clarify the role of ROC in achieving stable and predictable outcomes in complex cataract and refractive surgery.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Surgical treatment of a unilateral congenital cataract with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous using double optic capture with a 20 year follow-up and review of the literature

  American Journal of Ophthalmology Case Reports · 2025-04-22 · 2 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  Purpose: To describe the long term follow-up of surgical intervention with the technique of Double Optic Capture to surgically treat a unilateral congenital cataract with hyperplastic primary vitreous and the ability to perform intraocular lens exchange of a double captured intraocular lens 17 years after the initial procedure. Observations: An eight week old with unilateral cataract with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous of the left eye had cataract surgery which included anterior capsulorhexis, a primary posterior capsulorhexis, anterior vitrectomy and placement of a posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation through both capsulotomy openings (double optic capture). Fourteen years later, patient was best corrected to 20/20 vision with a refraction of -14.75-2.00 x 100. Due to difficulties with anisometropia, the patient underwent successful intraocular lens exchange. The intraocular lens was able to be successfully removed from its double captured position and a new implant was successfully re-captured through the fused capsule. Two years follow-up after IOL exchange, the implant was well centered and clear of any secondary membranes or scar tissue with a best corrected visual acuity of 20/20-2. Conclusions: This represents one of the longest reported follow-up with not only unilateral cataract with persistent hyperplastic primary vitreous, but also of the technique of double optic capture and successful intraocular lens exchange following the technique of double optic capture.

  PublisherDOI

• Persistent Anterior Uveitis Following Cataract Surgery

  Ocular Immunology and Inflammation · 2025-05-22 · 1 citations

  article

  PURPOSE: To determine the incidence of and risk factors for persistent anterior uveitis following cataract surgery. METHODS: This was a retrospective cohort study of patients who underwent cataract surgery at a tertiary referral center in Connecticut, USA. Those with prior uveitis, complex ocular pathology, concurrent procedures, and surgical complications were excluded. The outcome was development of persistent anterior uveitis, defined as anterior chamber cell grade ≥ 0.5+ and steroid treatment beyond two months. Patients who did and did not develop persistent anterior uveitis were compared using univariate and multivariate analysis. RESULTS: = 0.013). In multivariate analysis, older age was associated with a significantly lower likelihood of persistent anterior uveitis (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 0.963, 95% confidence interval (CI)=[0.942, 0.984]), whereas Black race (AOR = 9.102, 95% CI = [4.836, 17.133]) and wet age-related macular degeneration (AOR = 37.700, 95% CI = [6.408, 221.792]) were associated with a significantly higher likelihood. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, 1.1% of eyes developed persistent anterior uveitis following cataract surgery. Younger age, Black race, and wet age-related macular degeneration should be investigated as potential risk factors to improve its prophylaxis, identification, and management.

  PublisherDOI

• Double optic capture: a historical review

  Frontiers in Ophthalmology · 2025-12-09 · 1 citations

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  The surgical technique of double optic capture involves capturing the optic of an intraocular lens implant through both an anterior and posterior capsular opening as a method to reduce secondary capsule opacity and membranes, while ensuring intraocular lens (IOL) centration. The techniques of performing this procedure is described as well as newer surgical modifications of the technique for both pediatric and adult cataract surgery. Future directions involving its use in routine adult cataract surgery as a method to prevent posterior capsule opacity are discussed.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Music during cataract surgery: effect on anxiety

  Journal of Cataract & Refractive Surgery · 2024 · 4 citations

  • Medicine
  • Anesthesia
  • Psychology

  PURPOSE: To determine the effect of playing patient-selected music intraoperatively on patient self-reported anxiety and the amount of sedative administered during cataract surgery. SETTING: Yale New Haven Hospital health system, New Haven, Connecticut. DESIGN: Prospective, randomized, controlled clinical trial. METHODS: Patients were randomized to either a music group or a control group, which had no music played. Patients were blinded to the purpose of the study. On postoperative day 1, patients were consented to participate in the study and asked to complete a 6-question Likert-style survey (modified from the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory) assessing anxiety at baseline and during surgery. Patients' intraoperative and postoperative vitals were recorded. The medication, dosage, and number of sedative injections given were also recorded. Paired t tests were used to assess for significant differences between the 2 groups. RESULTS: 107 patients (mean age 71.2 years) were enrolled in the study. There was no significant difference in baseline anxiety between the 2 groups. Patients randomized to the music group had significantly lower total self-reported anxiety (mean 5.98) than the control group (mean 7.13, P = .006). Moreover, patients exposed to music felt significantly less frightened, nervous, and confused during surgery ( P = .002, .007, and 0.017, respectively). There was no significant difference between the groups in number and dosage of sedatives given. CONCLUSIONS: Playing patient-selected music during cataract surgery is an effective way to decrease anxiety. Music directly affects patient experience and is an inexpensive, low-risk method of reducing patient anxiety during surgery.

  PublisherDOI

• The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Ophthalmic Anterior Segment Disorders

  Medical Research Archives · 2024-01-01

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  Artificial intelligence involves machines that can synthesize data on a scale that exceeds human ability, the capacity to analyze, learn, predict, and reason using algorithms that have the potential to improve over time. Artificial intelligence is beneficial in accuracy, speed, ability to analyze vast amounts of data, automating workflow, and reducing the need for repetitive tasks, and reducing human error. These tasks are particularly important for speech and image recognition, analyzing data, and creating predictive models. In health care, artificial intelligence can help guide diagnosis, treatment options, compliance, teaching, and administration activities. These activities have been demonstrated in many areas of medicine including Ophthalmology and in particular the retina and posterior segment subspecialty. This paper is a comprehensive review of the current applications of artificial intelligence in anterior segment specialties of Ophthalmology. This paper will demonstrate the applications of artificial intelligence in 1) Glaucoma to predict progression of disease, need for surgery, and who may develop acute angle closure glaucoma, 2) Keratoconus to identify early or subclinical keratoconus and predict who may experience progressive disease, 3) Keratitis to predict causation and which cases are more prone to rapidly progress, 4) Cataract to detect and give diagnostic objectivity, to calculate IOL power with more precision, to create smart surgery operating theaters, to aid in surgical training and to assess post-operative healing.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Visit duration of office-based ophthalmology visits in a nationally representative sample

  Advances in Ophthalmology & Visual System · 2024 · 3 citations

  1st authorCorresponding
  • Medicine
  • Optometry
  • Ophthalmology

  Purpose: To assess the mean visit duration of office-based ophthalmology visits in the United States. Methods: The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) was queried to identify visits conducted by ophthalmologists between years 2006-2016. Primary outcome measure was the time spent with the ophthalmologist (in minutes). Demographic and health information including patient age, sex, race/ethnicity, insurance type, and number of chronic conditions were assessed. Reason for visit, new patient status, number of medications prescribed, electronic medical record use, regional location, and metropolitan status of each visit were also collected. International Classification of Diseases Clinical Modification Ninth and Tenth Revision codes (ICD-9-CM and ICD-10-CM) were used to categorize each visit by subspecialty of primary diagnosis (i.e. cataract, cornea/refractive, glaucoma, oculoplastic, perioperative, and retina). Univariate and multivariate ordinary least square linear regression analyses were used to determine predictors of visit duration. Results: Between 2006-2016, there was an annual average of 52 million ophthalmology office-based visits. Mean visit duration [standard error] was 20.7 [0.4] minutes, annually. An increase in visit duration was observed with a mean of 19.1 [1.5] minutes in 2006 and a mean of 22.5 [1.2] minutes in 2016. The five strongest predictors of visit duration were Medicaid insurance (ß [regression coefficient] 5.1; 95% CI [confidence interval] 1.39-8.74), new patient status (ß 2.7; 95% CI 1.55-3.79), new medications (ß 1.1; 95% CI 0.32-1.92), year of visit (ß 0.7; 95% CI 0.48-0.93), and non-metropolitan location (ß -2.8; 95% CI -4.45- (-1.20)) (all p<0.01). Conclusion: Across 11 years, mean visit duration of office-based ophthalmology visits has increased. Predictors of visit duration reflect healthcare utilization patterns in low-resource populations, provider-patient encounters, a growing aging population, and a shortage of ophthalmologists in rural areas. As interventions are made to better model and improve the clinic experience of ophthalmic patients, these factors should be considered.

  PublisherDOI

• Variability and Inconsistency of Titles for Part-time Faculty Appointments at US Medical Schools

  Archives of Clinical and Biomedical Research · 2024-01-01

  articleOpen access1st authorCorresponding

  US medical faculty are increasing the number of part-time, voluntary, and clinical faculty members as academic facilities expand and acquire an increasing number of community clinical practices. Academic institutions have used variable, inconsistent, and often overlapping titles for their part-time faculty. This paper identifies, categorizes, and analyzes the variability in titles used to describe the part-time medical school faculty and distinguish these faculty from full-time, ladder or tenure track faculty at US medical schools. Suggestions for simplifying and unifying the nomenclature are proposed as a method to create uniformity and consistency and avoid confusion among member of academia, the public, and the patient population.

  PublisherDOI

• Femtosecond Laser Applications in Ophthalmic Surgery

  Medical Research Archives · 2023-01-01 · 4 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Femtosecond laser’s ultra-fast pulse duration results in a precise cut with low thermal energy. This precise and directed energy with low collateral tissue damage has been shown to be advantageous for ocular surgery with proven safety and reproducibility. The history and science, of femtosecond lasers as well as their evolution in eye surgery is discussed. The practical and current use of femtosecond laser in eye surgery is presented including its application in laser assisted cataract surgery, laser assisted ketatomileusis flap creation, intracorneal ring segment placement, femtosecond lenticle extraction, small incision lenticle extraction, creation of tunnels for presbyopic correcting corneal inlays, and femtosecond laser assisted penetrating keratoplasty. In each of these applications, the benefits and risks of the femtosecond laser procedure are reviewed and potential future applications of femtosecond in the field of Ophthalmic Surgery are discussed.

  PublisherOA PDFDOI

• Ophthalmic Manifestations, Evaluation, and Guidelines for Testing of Concussion

  The Open Ophthalmology Journal · 2023-01-11 · 3 citations

  articleOpen accessSenior author

  Early detection and treatment of concussions is crucial to preventing further brain damage. Current subjective standard-of-care tests used to diagnose concussions, such as symptom reporting and standardized concussion checklists, can often underdiagnose patients with concussions. This review will cover novel biomarkers of concussions related to concussion-associated visual deficits and how they can be used to more accurately monitor patient concussion symptom improvement. Visual deficits are seen in up to 90% of patients within hours after a concussion-inducing trauma and can serve as objective biomarkers in diagnosing and monitoring concussions. Some of the key visual deficits that are seen in patients with concussions include convergence insufficiency, problems with accommodation and smooth pursuit eye movements, saccade dysfunction, and decreased optokinetic nystagmus gain. Patients frequently report blurred vision, challenges reading, double vision and eyestrain, dizziness, visual field defects, and light sensitivity, related to concussions. Promising eye tests to detect and track concussions include pupillary light reflexes, the circle test, and the Samandarani group’s non-spatially calibrated binocular motility test/algorithm in conjunction with video oculography and eye tracking equipment. The EYE-SYNC eye-tracking device allows for portable and accurate detection of eye movements in the field and is a promising tool for detecting concussions both in the field and clinic. Optical coherence tomography and other retinal imaging modalities also represent a promising method of identifying individuals who have sustained a concussion.

  PublisherDOI

Frequent coauthors

• Howard V. Gimbel

  16 shared

• Iqbal Ike K. Ahmed

  Prism Eye Institute

  6 shared

• Uday Devgan

  6 shared

• Samuel Masket

  5 shared

• David R. Hardten

  Minnesota Eye Consultants

  5 shared

• Bonnie An Henderson

  4 shared

• Nicole R. Fram

  4 shared

• Mitchell P. Weikert

  4 shared

Labs

• Ophthalmology Interest Group (OIG)PI

Education

• Management Certificate for Health Care Business

  Yale School of Management

  2006

• MD

  Tufts University School of Medicine

  1989

• AB/BS

  Tufts University

  1985

Awards & honors

• Yale Resident Teaching Award (1998, 2008)
• Inducted in the IIIC (International Intra-Ocular Implant Soc…
• Best Doctors, Castle Connolly, Connecticut Magazine, and New…
• Inducted in Best Cataract Surgeons in America