To analyze the factors that affected continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) remodeling to different shapes after CCC widening with Nd:YAG laser.

The medical records of patients who underwent CCC widening with Nd:YAG laser between January 2002 and December 2010 in our clinic were retrospectively reviewed. Eyes that underwent phacoemulsification surgery alone or combined phacoemulsification surgery and vitrectomy were eligible for the study. A remodeled CCC with a nearly complete circle was classified as type a, starfish-shape as type b, and not remodeled CCC as type c, The factors that affected CCC remodeling were analyzed.

Among 424 eyes of 316 patients, the type of CCC remodeling had a significant correlation with the time period from phacoemulsification surgery to Nd:YAG CCC widening. There was no significant correlation with age, sex, diabetes, type of intraocular lens, type of surgery and indications for surgery.

CCC widening using Nd:YAG laser was effective and had minimal complications. The sooner the procedure was performed, the more circular CCC remodeling occurred. The capsule's elasticity may influence CCC remodeling, but more studies are needed to clarify other factors.