In 1999, Melles recommended the use of trypan blue dye to stain the anterior lens capsule for visualizing capsulorhexis in surgery of mature cataracts [1]. However, during the procedure the dye is in contact not only with the anterior capsule but with other anterior segment tissues, in particular the corneal endothelium. Although the complications related to the use of trypan blue have been scarce [2-5], some authors have modified the original technique to limit the dye contact to the anterior capsule [6-8].
In 1999, Melles recommended the use of trypan blue dye to stain the anterior lens capsule for visualizing capsulorhexis in surgery of mature cataracts [1]. However, during the procedure the dye is in contact not only with the anterior capsule but with other anterior segment tissues, in particular the corneal endothelium. Although the complications related to the use of trypan blue have been scarce [2-5], some authors have modified the original technique to limit the dye contact to the anterior capsule [6-8]. Kayikcioglu and coauthors proposed to mix trypan blue 0.4% with sodium hyaluronate 1% in a 1:1 ratio to be injected onto the anterior lens capsule. Thereafter, the mix is washed out and the anterior chamber refilled with a viscoelastic agent to perform the capsulorhexis [9]. We describe a simplification of Kayikcioglu technique.
A 1 ml insulin syringe is filled with 4 units of Patent blue 0.24%, which is taken directly from the sterile vial. Then, the needle is removed, the plunger is pulled back and through the small opening of the needle adapter 12 units of cohesive sodium hyaluronate 1% are introduced reaching a 1:3 ratio. Dye and cohesive are mixed by pulling forward and back the plunger of the syringe several times. After the anterior chamber paracentesis, a Simcoe cannula is introduced to inject air and the mix simultaneously. The colored viscoelastic material is spread on the anterior lens capsule, while the continuous injection of air facilitates to maintain the anterior chamber depth. Then, a dispersive viscoelastic agent is injected to help to evacuate air and the mix (Figure 1). Finally, more cohesive viscoelastic material is injected in the anterior chamber to protect the corneal endothelium and the capsulorhexis is performed (Figure 2).

Figure 1: The dispersive viscoelastic helps to evacuate air and the mix.
Figure 2: The capsulorhexis is easily performed.