A systematic review and meta-analysis on intraocular lens implantation with different performances for the treatment of cataract

Abstract

Background: Cataract is one of the common eye diseases. At present, Phacoemulsification combined with traditional intraocular lens (IOL) implantation can achieve satisfactory rejuvenation effects. However, the correction of corneal astigmatism is limited, while Toric IOL implantation can provide good astigmatism correction treatment.

Methods: We retrieved randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the treatment of cataracts published in the PubMed, EBSCO, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Science Direct, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang, and Weipu databases. Professional journals were searched manually to avoid omissions. The research subject search terms included cataract, astigmatism, IOL, and intraocular lens. The observation indicators search terms included uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), best-corrected distance visual acuity (BDVA), residual corneal astigmatism, and cataract cure rate.

Results: A total of 12 articles were included. The articles were tested for heterogeneity of UDVA measured using the Logarithm of Mininal Angle Resolution (LogMAR) visual acuity chart, and the results showed that Chi-squared test (Chi2) =75.21, degree of freedom (df) =11, and I2=85%>50%, so the random effects model (REM) was adopted for analysis. The results indicated that the differences between the Toric and Non-Toric IOL groups statistically significant, and the Toric IOL group had a significant therapeutic effect [Z =2.18, mean difference (MD) =-0.05, 95% confidential interval (CI): -0.09, -0.00, P=0.03]. The fixed effects model (FEM) was adopted to analyze the determination of BDVA by LogMAR visual acuity chart in 6 articles. The results suggested that the difference between the Toric IOL and non-Toric IOL groups was not statistically significant (Z =0.29, MD =-0.00, 95% CI: -0.02, 0.01, P=0.77). Heterogeneity analysis was performed on three articles in terms of residual corneal astigmatism, which showed that Chi2=75.55, df =3, I2=96%>50%, and P<0.00001. The REM analysis results revealed that the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant, and the Toric IOL group had low residual corneal astigmatism (Z =1.35, MD =-0.34, 95% CI: -0.83, 0.15, P=0.18).

Discussion: The meta-analysis results confirmed that Toric IOL implantation showed obvious advantages in improving UDVA and corneal residual astigmatism in cataract patients.

Keywords: Astigmatism; cataract; curative effect; intraocular lens (IOL); meta-analysis.