AIM:To systematically evaluate the effect of trypan blue capsule staining on corneal endothelial cells in phacoemulsification.

METHODS: RCTs on the use of trypan blue for capsular staining in phacoemulsification were retrieved from China Knowledge Network(CNKI), Wanfang Database, Weipu Database, SinoMed, PubMed, SpringerLink, Clinicalkey, Medline, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, OVID, Embase. The search time was from the establishment of the databases to April 2019.The Meta-analysis of the included literature was made by Revman 5.3 and R 3.7.

RESULTS: Eight trials included 378 eyes were selected. Meta-analysis showed that the number of corneal endothelial cell loss between 0.02%, 0.06% or 0.1% trypan blue capsule staining group(193 eyes)and non-stained or placebo staining group(185 eyes)changed without statistical significance \〖Within 1mo after operation(WMD=-10.47, 95% CI=-26.44-5.61, P=0.20); 1mo after operation(WMD=-60.72, 95% CI=-170.92-49.49, P=0.28)\〗. The percentage of corneal endothelial hexagonal cell loss at 1mo after operation changed without statistical significance(WMD=0.50, 95% CI=-2.09-3.09, P=0.71). The central corneal thickness(CCT)at 1mo after operation changed without statistical significance(WMD=3.10, 95% CI=-5.77-11.98, P=0.49). The coefficient of variation(CV)changed without statistical significance(WMD=-1.00, 95% CI=-2.86-0.86, P=0.29).

CONCLUSION: 0.02%, 0.06% or 0.1% trypan blue capsule staining in phacoemulsification have no significant effect on the number and function of corneal endothelial cells.