ABSTRACT
Purpose: To describe the use of anterior capsule staining in cataracts without red reflex using a 0.025 percent 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 percent 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 i I II or postoperative complications. The endothelial cell loss varied between 1.8 percent and 26.6 percent (mean 12.8 percent). Conclusion: Staining the anterior capsule with 0.025 percent trypan blue solution allows a good visibility of the capsular flap and facilitates the confection of CCC in cataracts without red reflex.