AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of large sized continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis(CCC)involving zonular area in manual small incision cataract surgery(MSICS).

METHODS:Totally 1 443 cataract patients(1 965 eyes)underwent MSICS, in which large CCC up to 7-8mm were performed.The related conditions such as success rate of performing CCC, capsule rupture, corneal edema and visual acuity after surgery were recorded and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS:In total of 1 965 eyes, 1 942 eyes(98.83%)had successful CCC, 15 eyes(0.76%)had a radial tear which could not be saved when performing CCC, 8 eyes(0.41%)had anterior capsule opened with a cystotome or a scissor due to capsule membrane calcification. No posterior capsule rupture occurred, and intraocular lens was transplanted in all cases. Transient corneal edema was noted in 36 eyes(1.83%). One day after surgery, 1 650 eyes(83.97%)had visual acuity ≥0.5, 1 867 eyes(95.01%)≥0.3. No unstable intraocular lens was noted in all cases.

CONCLUSION: Large CCC technique for MSICS is safe and reliable,not decreasing stability capsular bag and intraocular lens. It is of high originality despite zonular area is involved so that it is worthy of application in basic medical institutions.