Safety of trypan blue 1% and indocyanine green 0.5% in assisting visualization of anterior capsule during phacoemulsification in mature cataract

PURPOSE: To evaluate the safety of trypan blue 1% and indocyanine green (ICG) 0.5% in assisting visualization of anterior capsule during phacoemulsification in mature cataract. SETTING: Department of Ophthalmology, United Christian Hospital, Hong Kong, China. METHODS: This prospective randomized clinical trial comprised 46 eyes with mature cataract receiving phacoemulsification and posterior chamber intraocular lens implantation. They were randomized into 3 groups (trypan blue, ICG, and control without stain). Visual acuity, endothelial cell count, corneal clarity, anterior chamber reaction, and intraocular pressure (IOP) were documented before surgery and 1 week, 1 month, and 3 months postoperatively. The absolute phaco time was also recorded. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in absolute phaco time (P=.17), mean endothelial cell loss (P=.72 at 1 week, P=.43 at 1 month, and P=.60 at 3 months) and no significant correlation between the absolute phaco time and the change in endothelial cell count (P=.50 at 1 week, P=.10 at 1 month, and P=.60 at 3 months) in the 3 groups. None of the patients had postoperative IOP greater than 21 mm Hg. All eyes had clear corneas and a quiet anterior chamber 3 months after surgery. CONCLUSION: Both trypan blue 1% and ICG 0.5% are safe for assisting visualization of the anterior capsule during phacoemulsification of mature cataract.