To describe and analyze pediatric anterior capsulotomy techniques and make recommendations.

Five anterior capsulotomy techniques were compared using a porcine model. Extensibility was measured by calculating the mean stretch-to-rupture circumference of each capsulotomy (20 eyes per technique) as a percentage of its circumference at rest. Edge characteristics were reviewed using scanning electron microscopy. A 10-year review of consecutive pediatric cataract surgeries performed by the author focused on the anterior capsulotomy results. A worldwide survey was used to determine current practice patterns.

Manual continuous curvilinear capsulorrhexis (CCC) produced the most extensible porcine capsulotomy (185%) with the most regular edge and is preferred by surgeons for patients aged 2 years and older. In the pseudophakic clinical cases reviewed, a radial tear developed in 3 (6.5%) of 46 manual CCC cases. Vitrectorhexis (porcine extensibility, 161%) is preferred by surgeons during the first 2 years of life. A radial tear developed in 16 (7.7%) of 208 vitrectorhexis pseudophakic eyes (29 tears in 284 pseudophakic eyes [10.2%] overall). The Kloti diathermy unit, Fugo plasma blade, and “can-opener” technique produced porcine capsulotomies of 145%, 170%, and 149% extensibility, respectively, and radial tears numbering 4 (21%) of 19, 5 of 8, and 1 of 2, respectively, in the clinical series.

All five capsulotomy techniques are recommendable for children. Only the vitrectorhexis and manual CCC are commonly used today. Vitrectorhexis is well suited for use in infants and young children; manual CCC is best used beyond infancy, and it produces the most stable edge.