To compare the size, circularity and repeatability between the conventional manual technique and the open-ring guided continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis (CCC) technique in cataract surgery.

The present study comprised 120 eyes divided into two equal groups. In the first group (group A), CCC was performed using a 5.3-mm open ring-shaped caliper and in the second group (group B), CCC was performed using the conventional manual technique. Photographs were taken after each surgical step (CCC, phacoemulsification, Intraocular lens insertion and corneal stromal hydration). The diameter, area and circularity of the anterior capsule were compared between the two groups.

The anterior capsule diameter was 5.32 ± 0.26 mm for group A (coefficient of variation 0.049) and 5.14 ± 0.64 mm for group B (coefficient of variation 0.125); the area was 22.9 ± 0.71 mm² for group A (coefficient of variation 0.031) and 21.40 ± 1.37 mm² for group B (coefficient of variation 0.064). Circularity was 0.93 ± 0.24 for group A (coefficient of variation 0.258) and 0.86 ± 0.78 for group B (coefficient of variation 0.907).

The open ring-guided CCC technique resulted in an increase of diameter and capsulorrhexis area. This method showed superior circularity and repeatability compared to conventional manual technique and can be useful in cataract surgery.