Trypan blue capsule staining for phacoemulsification in white cataract

Objective: To study the results of phacoemulsification in eyes with white cataract using trypan blue for capsule staining.

Methods: Thirty patients who had white cataract were included in this prospective study. They had phacoemulsification and continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis using trypan blue. Intraoperative problems related to capsulorhexis and phacoemulsification as well as postoperative outcomes where analyzed. Postoperative examinations were done at 1 day, 1 week, and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months. The mean follow-up was 10 months.

Results: Complet capsulorhexis was achieved in 26 cases. Intraoperative complications included incomplet capsulorhexis in four cases (13.3%) and conversion to a conventional extraction technique in two cases. There were no cases of posterior capsular tear. Twenty-eight eyes (93.3%) had a final best corrected visual acuity at 8/10 or better. Postoperative complications included moderate transient corneal edema in six cases (20%) and iritis in three cases (10%). There were no complications related to the use of trypan blue.

Conclusions: Phacoemulsification using trypan blue was safe and effective in managing white cataract and had a high success rate.