Comparison of postoperative axial stability of intraocular lens and capsulotomy parameters between precision pulse capsulotomy and continuous curvilinear capsulotomy: A prospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to verify the safety and stability of precision pulse capsulotomy (PPC) by comparison of the axial stability of the intraocular lens (IOL) and the capsulotomy parameters during 6 months of follow-up after cataract surgery using PPC or the conventional method (continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis, CCC). DESIGN: Prospective observational study. SETTING: Tertiary referral center. SUBJECTS: Fifty nine eyes of 59 candidates for cataract surgery. INTERVENTIONS: PPC (33 eyes) or CCC (26 eyes). OUTCOME MEASURES: The anterior capsule opacification grade and effective lens position (ELP) were measured 1 week and 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively. RESULTS: No significant difference in the mean anterior capsule opacification grade or the effective lens position was found between the PPC and CCC groups at any time point; however, the standard deviation and root mean square of the effective lens position were significantly lower in the PPC group than in the CCC group during follow-up (P = .002 and P = .011, respectively). There was a significantly lower discrepancy between the intended vs achieved capsulotomy area and better circularity in the PPC group than in the CCC group at all time points. CONCLUSIONS: The overall variability in effective lens position was less when cataract surgery was performed using PPC than when performed using CCC. Circularity was better and had a more predictable size with PPC than with CCC.