AIM: To investigate the effect of posterior capsule polishing in phacoemulsification and whether posterior capsule polishing can reduce posterior capsule opacification(PCO).

METHODS: Totally 149 cataract patients including 82 cases(104 eyes )with phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation after posterior capsule polishing treatment by polishing device, and 67 cases(85 eyes )without posterior capsule polishing in phacoemulsification and intraocular lens implantation were recruited at the same period in this study.

RESULTS: Totally 11 eyes(10.6%)occurred PCO in polishing group and 23 eyes(27.1%)occurred PCO in control group 6 months after operation. There was significant difference between two groups. And 17 eyes(16.3%)occurred PCO in polishing group and 31 eyes(36.5%)occurred PCO in control group 12 months after operation. The control group was significantly higher than that of polishing group concerning PCO. The vision of this two group patients had no significant differences 1 week after operation, but there was significant difference 6 and 12 months after operation(P< 0.05).

CONCLUSION: The results showed that posterior capsule polishing in phacoemulsification is safe and effective. It can significantly reduce postoperative PCO and improve visual acuity.