Efficacy of fluid flow posterior capsule polishing in reducing capsule rupture and enhancing visual recovery during phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

OBJECTIVE: Cataracts remain the leading cause of blindness worldwide, and phacoemulsification cataract surgery is the gold standard for cataract treatment. However, complications such as posterior capsule rupture (PCR) and posterior capsule opacification (PCO) continue to affect success of the procedure. This study investigates effect of fluid flow posterior capsule polishing in reducing the incidence of PCR and PCO during phacoemulsification cataract surgery, with the goal of improving surgical outcomes and postoperative recovery.

METHODS: A total of 290 eyes from cataract patients were randomly assigned to two groups: the fluid flow polishing group (n = 144) and the mechanical polishing group (n = 146). The incidence of posterior capsule rupture and other postoperative outcomes were compared.

RESULTS: The posterior capsule rupture rate in the fluid flow polishing group was 0%, compared to 15.38% in the mechanical polishing group (p < 0.05). The best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) at 1 day and 1 month post-surgery was significantly higher in the fluid flow group (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of posterior capsule opacification (PCO) at 1 month was significantly lower in the fluid flow polishing group compared to the mechanical polishing group (p < 0.05). In subgroup analysis, patients older than 60 years exhibited a statistically significant difference in posterior capsule rupture rates (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION: Fluid flow posterior capsule polishing significantly reduces the incidence of posterior capsule rupture in phacoemulsification cataract surgery, particularly in elderly patients, and contributes to better visual recovery postoperatively. This technique can be considered a safe and effective modification in cataract surgery to improve patient outcomes and reduce complications.