Abstract:  Objective To explore the application value of trypan blue lens capsule staining in cataract surgery in Vision Recovery Project. Design Retrospective comparative case series. Participants 84 patients (84 eyes) with severe cataract in “Vision Recovery Project of Millions of Poor Cataract Patients” in 2012-2013 were recruited. Methods  Patients were randomly divided into observation group(42 patients, 42 eyes)  and control group(42 patients, 42 eyes). Observation group received 0.1 ml trypan blue capsule staining before continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis during phacoemulsification, but control group were not stained. Main Outcome Measures State of intraoperative lens capsule staining, success rate of continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, degree of anterior chamber inflammation, corneal edema and posterior capsular opacification. Results The lens anterior capsule of all patients in observation group was stained as light blue after the trypan blue staining. The success rate of continuous curvilinear capsularhexis was 97.6% in observation group and 78.6% in control group (P=0.003). The difference of visual acuity, intraocular pressure, anterior chamber inflammation, corneal edema after surgery were no statistically significant (all P>0.05). 3 months after surgery, significant posterior capsular opacification appeared in one case in observation group and six cases in control group (P=0.027). Conclusion The continuous circular capsulorhexis and phacoemulsification in Vision Recovery Project could become easier to perform after anterior capsule staining with trypan blue. (Ophthalmol CHN, 2014, 23: 271-273) 

Key words: cataract, trypan blue, continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis