Anterior capsule staining using 0.025% trypan blue in cataracts without red reflex

Abstract

Purpose: To describe the use of anterior capsule staining in cataracts without red reflex using a 0.025% trypan blue solution. Methods: Six eyes of 6 patients with cataracts without red reflex were submitted to phacoemulsification using a direct injection of 0.2 to 0.5 ml of 0.025% trypan blue in the anterior chamber previous to viscoelastic injection. All patients had an ophthalmologic examination prior to surgery, as well as pre and postoperative corneal endothelial cell count. Results: In all cases the capsule became stained with a faint blue color that enabled an adequate visibility of the flap during the continuous curvilinear anterior capsulotomy (CCC). There were no intra-or postoperative complications. The endothelial cell loss varied between 1.8% and 26.6% (mean 12.8%). Conclusion: Staining the anterior capsule with 0.025% trypan blue solution allows a good visibility of the capsular flap and facilitates the confection of CCC in cataracts without red reflex.