Comparison of characteristics of femtosecond laser-assisted anterior capsulotomy versus manual continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis: A meta-analysis of 5-year results.

OBJECTIVE

To perform a meta-analysis on the precision and safety of femtosecond laser-assisted anterior capsulotomy versus conventional manual continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis.

METHODS

This meta-analysis was conducted from February 2010 to November 2014. Literature search on PubMed, Google Scholar, ExcerptaMedica database and Cochrane Library was done to identify randomised controlled trials and case-control studies. SPSS 20 was used for data analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 10 articles included, there were 3(30%) randomised controlled trials and 7(70%) non-randomised controlled trials. The meta-analysis was based on a total of 2,882eyes. Of them, 1,498(51.97%) underwent femtosecond laser-assisted capsulotomy and 1,384(48.02%) underwent manual continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis. The diameter of the capsulotomy and the rates of anterior capsule tear showed no statistical difference between the femtosecond laser group and the manual capsulorrhexis group (p=0.29 and p=0.68). In terms of circularity of capsulotomy, femtosecond laser group had a more significant advantage than the manual capsulorrhexis group (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Femtosecond laser performed capsulotomy with more precision and higher reliability than the manual continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis.