Work

Effect of anterior chamber air tamponade after phacoemulsification cataract surgery: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Year: 2026

Type: review

Study designs: Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis

Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the safety of anterior chamber air tamponade post-phacoemulsification on the cornea compared to balanced salt solution or Ringer's lactate filling, and summarize its potential influence on the aspects like the risk of postoperative endophthalmitis and Descemet's membrane detachment (DMD). METHODS: This meta-analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.4 and included studies that evaluated post-phacoemulsification air tamponade compared with no air tamponade before October 2025. Methodological quality was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. This review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251177446) and followed PRISMA guidelines. RESULTS: ; p = 0.19), central corneal thickness (-4.86 [-19.81 to 10.08] µm; p = 0.52), or coefficient of variation of the corneal endothelial cell size (-0.01 [-0.04 to 0.01]; p = 0.22). A minimal yet significant difference in hexagonality favored the no-air-tamponade group (-0.01 [-0.03 to -0.00]; p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: Intracameral air injection demonstrated comparable short-term corneal endothelial safety, with the potential added benefits of reduced inflammation and infection risk and of protection of the Descemet's membrane. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO, CRD420251177446. Registered 2025. CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER: Not applicable.

Source: BMC Ophthalmology

DOI: 10.1186/s12886-026-04869-8

Authors: Xiangbin Guan, Qian Luo, Furong Liao, Li Jiang, Lei Yang, Jingyi Zhu

Institutions: Chinese People's Liberation Army, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, General Hospital of Central Theater Command

Language: English

Topic: Intraocular Surgery and Lenses

Subfield: Ophthalmology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,990