The intracapsular-extracapsular controversy

There has been a trend toward increasing popularity of the extracapsular method of cataract extraction. The advantages of this method over the intracapsular technique center around protection of the cornea and retina. A cornea-retina syndrome following intracapsular cataract extraction appears to be due to the greater endophthalmodonesis compared to the extracapsular method. The alleged advantages of the extracapsular method are discussed. Some appear valid while others are theoretical at this time. A personal angiographic cystoid macular edema study heavily favours the extracapsular method over the intracapsular. Four groups of patients were studied: 1. Intracapsular cataract extraction with a Binkhorst -loop lens. . Intracapsular cataract extraction with no lens implant. . Extracapsular cataract extraction with a Binkhorst lens; all with intact posterior capsules. 4. Extracapsular cataract extraction with a posterior chamber lens; all with primary posterior capsulotomy.