AIM:To systematically compare and evaluate the clinical efficacy of intraocular lens(IOL)incarceration and non-incarceration in pediatric cataract.

METHODS: Literatures were searched from domestic and foreign databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang, and CNKI, and the paper editions of relevant journals were consulted as well. The retrieval period of literature was from January 2000 to January 2021. The screened literatures were evaluated and extracted by two experienced researchers. After performing the evaluation guidelines of Cochrane collaboration and the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale(NOS), the Rev Man 5.4 software was applicated to complete the Meta-analysis.

RESULTS:Seven references(328 eyes)were involved in this analysis. The results of the Meta-analysis showed that the two groups had statistically significant differences in best corrected visual acuity(BCVA)>0.5 eyes(RR=2.00, 95%CI: 1.18-3.37, P=0.01), IOL shift(RR=0.28, 95%CI: 0.17-0.46, P<0.00001)and mild or above opacification of the visual axis(RR=0.35, 95%CI: 0.19-0.65, P=0.0007)after surgery. However, there was no significant difference in the occurrence of posterior synechia(RR=0.67, 95%CI: 0.10-4.33, P=0.67)and very mild opacification of the visual axis(RR=1.05, 95%CI: 0.64-1.73, P=0.84).

CONCLUSION:IOL incarceration in the treatment of pediatric cataract can significantly improve postoperative BCVA, reduce occurrence of IOL shift and prevent mild or above opacification of the visual axis, which has more advantages in overall clinical efficacy. But more high quality prospective studies should be still required for further analysis.