[Effect of phacoemulsification versus extracapsular extraction on visual acuity: a meta-analysis].

OBJECTIVE: To examine the efficacy of phacoemulsification (Phaco) versus extracapsular extraction (ECCE) on visual acuity. METHODS: 9 cases related with Phaco and ECCE were retrieved from PubMED and Chinese biomedical data base. The combinability of the studies was assessed in terms of clinical and statistical criteria. Treatment effect was measured as risk difference between phacoemulsification and extracapsular extraction. Pooled estimates were analyzed with computer according to a random-effects model. RESULTS: A total of 1192 patients were included in 9 trials. The pooled risk differences of visual acuity 0.5 or better after surgery one week or 3 month were 24% (95% CI is 10% - 37%), 20% (95% CI is 14% - 25%) respectively. The complications extracapsular extraction rates (36.8%) of phacoemulsification was lower than extracapsular extraction (62.1%). CONCLUSIONS: Phacoemulsification is a safer and reliable surgery for restoration of visual acuity in patients with cataract, and is superior to extracapsular cataract extraction.