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Ophthalmic Dye — Capsule Staining (Cataract Surgery)

Trypan Blue 0.06% (Ophthalmic)

Brand names: VisionBlue, Membrane Blue

Ophthalmic trypan blue is a vital dye used during cataract and other intraocular surgery to stain the anterior lens capsule and improve its visibility.

Dosing — being independently re-sourced

ClinCalc Pro is rebuilding its dose data from primary open sources — the manufacturer SmPC (eMC), the WHO Model Formulary and other official references — under clinician review. This drug's structured dose is not yet published here. Confirm all doses against the product SmPC and your local formulary before prescribing.

Clinical monograph

How it works

It selectively stains the basement membrane of the anterior capsule, providing contrast that aids capsulorhexis, especially when the red reflex is poor.

Prescribing in practice

  • It is for intraocular surgical use by trained ophthalmic surgeons only and must be handled aseptically to avoid endophthalmitis.
  • Excess dye should be removed from the anterior chamber to limit unnecessary exposure of intraocular tissues.
  • It is particularly useful in dense or white cataracts where capsule visualisation is otherwise difficult.

Monitoring

Monitoring is intraoperative and immediately postoperative, observing for corneal endothelial changes and signs of intraocular inflammation or infection.

Counselling the patient

  • This dye is used by your surgeon during the operation to help see structures inside the eye more clearly.
  • Report any increasing pain, redness or loss of vision after surgery promptly.

Evidence & guidelines

Capsule staining with trypan blue to assist capsulorhexis in challenging cataracts is well established in ophthalmic surgical practice.

Reference: ESCRS Cataract Surgery Guidelines; VisionBlue SPC; JCRS Review (Trypan Blue Safety); Drug verified in RxNorm (NLM); confirm dosing against the manufacturer SPC (eMC). Verify against your local formulary and current prescribing references before prescribing. Monograph status: clinician-reviewed (2026-07-04).

Related

Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.

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