Today the erisophake offers the most successful means for the intracapsular extraction of cataracts. The advantages of this method are that no counterpressure is required so that the incidence of vitreous loss is reduced; the vacuum cup provides a firmer grasp of the lens with less danger of rupture of the lens capsule; and the vacuum cup can be used for the delivery of practically all types of cataract in the adult, including intumescent and Morgagnian cataracts as well as lenses with exfoliating and friable capsules. While the forceps method of intracapsular extraction is generally successful in not more than 70 to 75 per cent of cases, the erisophake may offer success in 90 per cent of cases.