Journal of cataract and refractive surgery
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Femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery versus phacoemulsification in shallow anterior chambers: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Sep 11, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) compared to conventional phacoemulsification in patients with shallow anterior chambers or primary angle-closure disease, focusing on endothelial cell loss (ECL) as the primary outcome. Their systematic review and meta-analysis of six studies revealed that FLACS resulted in significantly lower ECL and early postoperative complications, although visual outcomes were similar between the two techniques. The findings suggest that FLACS may offer advantages in this specific patient population, but the certainty of these benefits varies.

Age-related Fragility of the Anterior Lens Capsule: A Histopathologic Study of 244 Cataract Surgery Cases

Sep 11, 2026

The authors aimed to identify clinical and biometric factors associated with histopathological splitting of the anterior lens capsule in patients undergoing cataract surgery. Their study of 244 cases found that older age was the primary factor linked to capsular splitting, with additional associations noted for nuclear hardness, axial length, and lens thickness. The findings suggest that the anterior lens capsule weakens progressively with age, highlighting the importance of age in cataract surgery outcomes.

Macular Edema and Intraocular Pressure Outcomes Following Periocular versus Topical Corticosteroids After Phacoemulsification: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Sep 11, 2026

The authors aimed to compare the efficacy of periocular versus topical corticosteroids in managing postoperative inflammation, specifically looking at the incidence of pseudophakic cystoid macular edema (PCME) and intraocular pressure (IOP) following phacoemulsification. Their systematic review and meta-analysis of ten studies involving over 57,000 eyes found no significant differences in PCME incidence, postoperative IOP, or best-corrected visual acuity between the two treatment methods. The authors caution that the findings should be interpreted with care due to heterogeneity and low certainty in the evidence.

Biometry-Driven Selection of IOL Power Calculation Formulas Using the ESCRS IOL Calculator

Sep 11, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a biometric subgroup-based strategy for selecting intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation formulas using the ESCRS IOL Calculator. Their study found that this subgroup-based method significantly improved refractive prediction accuracy compared to traditional individual formulas, as evidenced by lower mean absolute error and a higher proportion of eyes achieving target refraction. This approach may enhance clinical outcomes in cataract surgery by optimizing IOL power selection based on specific biometric characteristics.

Scoping Review of Cataract Surgery Sterility: Data Gaps Linking Sustainability and Clinical Impact

Sep 9, 2026

The authors conducted a scoping review to assess the global practices, clinical effectiveness, and environmental impact of sterility measures in adult cataract surgery, including antiseptics, drapes, gloves, masks, and gowns. They found that while conjunctival povidone-iodine and mask usage are supported by substantial evidence in reducing infection risk, draping, gloving, and gowning practices are primarily based on opinion rather than robust clinical data, raising concerns about their environmental impact. This highlights significant data gaps linking surgical sterility practices to both clinical outcomes and sustainability.

Influence of Astigmatism Magnitude and Axis on the Selection of Non-Toric versus Low-Powered Trifocal Toric Intraocular Lenses in Presbyopic Refractive Lens Exchange

Sep 9, 2026

The authors aimed to assess how preoperative astigmatism magnitude and axis influence the choice between non-toric and low-powered trifocal toric intraocular lenses (IOLs) in presbyopic refractive lens exchange. Their findings indicate that the selection process should be individualized based on the interplay of astigmatism characteristics rather than relying on a fixed cutoff, as both IOL types resulted in comparable postoperative astigmatism despite differences in preoperative conditions.

Comparison of the functional defocus curve between eyes with diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses and age-stratified phakic eyes

Sep 9, 2026

The authors aimed to compare the functional defocus curve between eyes with diffractive multifocal intraocular lenses (DMIOLs) and age-stratified phakic eyes with clear lenses. Their findings indicate that while DMIOLs provide a functional range of vision comparable to phakic patients in their 40s, they outperform phakic patients in their 50s and 60s, suggesting that DMIOLs can effectively restore vision functionality in older patients.

Prospective Evaluation Of Visual Performance Of A Novel Partial Depth Of Field Intraocular Lens Using A Monovision Strategy

Sep 9, 2026

The authors aimed to evaluate the visual performance and patient-reported outcomes of a novel partial-depth of field intraocular lens (IOL) using a monovision strategy after cataract surgery. The results demonstrated excellent distance and intermediate vision, along with functional near visual acuity, while patients reported high visual satisfaction and minimal photic phenomena. These findings suggest that this IOL strategy may effectively extend the range of vision for patients.

Combining Small Aperture Approach and Toric Correction for Irregular Astigmatism Management

Sep 9, 2026

The authors investigate whether a hybrid intraocular lens (IOL) design that combines small-aperture and toric elements can effectively manage irregular astigmatism in cataract surgery, which is challenging due to complex geometries and higher-order aberrations. Their experimental study reveals that this combined IOL significantly improves optical performance compared to traditional toric or small-aperture IOLs alone, suggesting that such a hybrid approach could enhance visual outcomes in patients with complex corneal profiles.

Dropless cataract surgery using intraoperative subconjunctival triamcinolone: a multicentre comparative analysis of 22,000 eyes

Sep 9, 2026

The authors aimed to compare postoperative inflammatory and visual outcomes between dropless cataract surgery using intraoperative subconjunctival triamcinolone and conventional topical steroid therapy. Their analysis of 34,846 eyes revealed no significant differences in rates of cystoid macular edema, postoperative uveitis, or steroid-related intraocular pressure elevation between the two groups, suggesting that dropless surgery is a safe and effective alternative to traditional postoperative regimens.