Abstract Introduction: Cataract is the commonest cause of avoidable blindness worldwide and cataract surgery is the commonest procedure performed in ophthalmology.² Improvements in surgical accessories paved the way for Extracapsular cataract extraction (ECCE) to be recognized. ECCE was based on creating an opening "capsulotomy” in the anterior capsular bag through which the lens nucleus could be “prolapsed". The Continuous Curvilinear Capsulorrhexis (CCC) technique has improved significantly the safety of cataract extraction and in-the-bag intraocular lens (IOL) implantation.³ Inadequate visualization of the capsule in cases carries a high risk of peripheral extension of the advancing edge towards or beyond the lens equator with its attendant complications. This can be obviated if the anterior capsule can be temporarily stained with any contrasting dye.⁴ Of the numerous dyes encountered only Trypan blue is US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved. The most common technique of staining involves injection of Trypan blue under an air bubble and subsequently washing the excess dye out.⁵ Aims and Objectives: The present study was carried out to evaluate the efficacy and safety of 0.1% Trypan blue dye for enhancing visualization of anterior capsule during Small incision cataract surgery (SICS).To observe various complications both intra-operative and postoperative due to incomplete Capsulorrhexis. Material and Methods: The present study was conducted on patients admitted in the Department of Ophthalmology from August 2012 - July 2014. The study comprised of 100 patients. In this study Trypan blue dye (0.1%) was used for visualization of anterior capsule to perform CCC. All the cases of mature and hypermature cataracts with minimum visual acuity of perception of light (PL) and projection of rays (PR) and Patient above the age of > 40 years were included. Results: It was found that maximum numbers of cases (61%) were between 60- 69 years of age. 44% of the patients were males while 56 % were females. Maximum numbers of cases were of mature cataract (78%). Capsulorrhexis was completed in 96 of the Patients. 4 had extension of Capsulorrhexis margin. Intra-operatively 4 cases had PC tear and one patient had vitreous loss. Hyphaema was seen in 3 cases. While striate keratopathy was seen in 2 cases and mild iritis was seen in 5 cases on first day postoperatively. Decentration of lens was seen in 3 cases and all these cases had intraoperative PC tear. 3 cases had Cystoid macular oedema. BCVA, of all the patients 78 % cases had 6 / 6 - 6 /12 and 16 % cases had 6/18 - 6 / 36. Conclusion: It was concluded from the present study that techniques of anterior capsule staining with Trypan blue 0.1 % dye is very safe and provides excellent visualization of anterior capsule during CCC. The dye can also be useful when training residents in the technique of CCC.

Keywords: Cataract, Capsulorrhexis, Trypan blue.