Efficacy and safety of anterior capsule polishing in cataract patients: a meta-analysis

Am J Transl Res. 2023 May 15;15(5):3662-3673. eCollection 2023.

Abstract

Objective: This research summarizes and analyzes the effects of polishing of the anterior capsule (PAC) on visual function, maintenance of effective lens position (ELP), and postoperative complications in various studies, so as to determine whether PAC can be used to improve the surgical outcome of cataracts.

Methods: The literature related to PAC published before June 2022 was searched in PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane, Google, Wanfang, Weipu and CNKI databases. Changes in visual function [uncorrected visual acuity (UCVA) and spherical equivalent refraction (SER)], effective lens position (ELP), and postoperative complications [anterior capsular opacification (ACO) and posterior capsular opacification (PCO)] in the PAC intervention group were summarized and analyzed, and the standardized mean difference (SMD) or odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI was calculated by Review Manager 5.3.

Results: By screening the literature, this meta-analysis finally included 10 studies with 2,639 eyes. The UCVA of patients was significantly improved in the PAC intervention group, while the root mean square of ELP (ELPRMS) level and ACO incidence decreased. In addition, PAC did not obviously reduce the incidence of PCO after cataract surgery.

Conclusion: PAC can effectively maintain the axial stability of the implanted lens and reduce the possibility of developing ACO, thus improving patients' visual function, which can effectively improve both the efficacy and safety of cataract surgery.

Keywords: Polishing of anterior capsule; capsular opacification; intraocular lens; meta-analysis; visual function.