Background: A capsulorhexis may be difficult to perform in the absence of a red fundus reflex.
Patients and methods: After application of 0.3 mL trypan blue 0.1%, a quick and homogeneous staining of the anterior lens capsule was obtained in 100 patients with a mature cataract, to visualize the capsulorhexis during a phacoemulsification procedure.
Results: No adverse reactions related to the dye were observed up to 18 months after surgery.
Conclusion: Trypan blue staining of the anterior lens capsule may therefore be a safe technique to facilitate the performance of a capsulorhexis in the absence of a red fundus reflex.