Following planned posterior continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis (PCCC) during cataract surgery in adults, we evaluated the clinical effects of visual acuity and prevention of posterior capsule opacity.

The clinical results were studied retrospectively by comparing 43 eyes of 43 patients who underwent cataract surgery with PCCC (the experimental group) and 46 eyes of 31 patients who underwent cataract surgery without PCCC (the control group). Preoperative and postoperative best corrected visual acuities (BCVAs) of patients were measured. BCVA (using log MAR) and the occurrence of posterior capsule opacity were closely monitored in both groups preoperatively, two months postoperatively, and at each group's final visit (14.6 months postoperatively for the experimental group and 15.7 months for the control group). One-piece plate intraocular lens was used in cataract surgery.

Preoperative BCVA was lower in the control group but not significantly. The 2-month mean postoperative BCVA showed improvement in vision in both the control and experimental groups. In both groups, the BCVA was decreased at the final examination compared with the 2-month postoperative BCVA, and significant differences between the two groups were not observed. Under slit lamp examination, anterior hyaloid opacity was observed in 13 of 43 eyes that underwent PCCC. The decrease in BCVA in 13 eyes with anterior hyaloid opacity was significantly different ( p < 0.05) compared with the 2-month postoperative BCVA.

Considering the effort and operation skills required for PCCC, the clinical benefits are negligible. Since cataract surgery with PCCC can cause reduced vision due to anterior hyaloid opacity, side effects should be disclosed before PCCC is performed.