Abstract
INTRODUCTION: The controversy surrounding the potential benefits of the basic saline solution vs. Ringer's lactate solution for patients undergoing phacoemulsification for cataracts prompted a systematic review and meta-analysis for comparing the two solutions. OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to compare the basic saline solution with Ringer's lactate for irrigation in phacoemulsification for cataracts. METHODS: We searched the Embase, PubMed, and Cochrane databases for randomized controlled trials comparing basic saline solution with Ringer's lactate in relation to central corneal thickness and loss of endothelial cell density after elective cataract surgery. RESULTS: Four studies involving 322 patients who underwent phacoemulsification were included in the analysis. Of the participants, 161 (50%) received Ringer's lactate as the irrigation solution, and 161 (50%) received basic saline solution. No differences were noticed between Ringer's lactate and basic saline solution regarding the loss of endothelial cell density within 28 days. CONCLUSION: In patients undergoing phacoemulsification for cataracts, no significant differences in the loss of endothelial cell density and changes in central corneal thickness were observed between groups irrigated with Ringer's lactate and balanced salt solution.Prospero database registration: ID CRD42024554821.