Blunt, bent needle for continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis.

We describe an anterior continuous curvilinear capsulorhexis (CCC) technique that uses a dull needle. The needle's blunt tip prevents inadvertent tearing of the anterior capsule, and its rough surface allows the surgeon to transmit a power vector of different amplitude and direction to the edge of the capsulorhexis to continue the tear as desired. For biomechanical reasons, we prefer an arcade-shaped CCC because this configuration provides a greater circumference than a circular CCC. The blunt needle allows one to perform a single-step capsulorhexis in a safe and controlled manner and reduces surgical time. Even in cases of white and liquified cortex, the dull needle has proved a useful, safe tool.