Abstract: To evaluate the factors that lead to posterior capsule opacification (PCO) in cataract extraction. Methods: The clinical data of 53 patients with congenital cataract (87 eyes) reveiving cataract extraction through a scleral tunnel incision were retrospectively analyzed. Of them, the posterior capsule was left in 35 eyes, primary posterior continuous curricular capsulectomy (PCCC) was performed in 19 eyes, PCCC with an anterior vitrectomy (AV) in 33 eyes, and primary intraocular len (IOL) implantation in 51 eyes. Results: During a followup of 18 months, PCO occurred in 30 eyes (34.48%), including intact posterior capsule in 19 (54.29%) eyes, PCCC in 5(26.32%) eyes, PCCC+AV in 6(18.18%) eye, which may due to not performing PCCC+AV (P<0.01) or implantating primary IOL (P<0.05). Conclusion: Young in age, primary IOL implantation and intact posterior capsule are the risk factors for the formation of PCO.

Key words: Posterior capsule opacification, Cataract extraction, Posterior continuous curricular capsulectomy,