A long-term prospective study was conducted to evaluate the incidence of specific complications following extracapsular cataract extraction. Eight hundred forty-two consecutive extracapsular cataract extractions were performed over a ten-year period with a minimum follow-up time of one year. The mean follow up period for this series was 32.2 months. The incidence of retinal detachment in the entire population was 1.4%. In those eyes with a cataract as the only ocular abnormality and with no surgical complications, the frequency was 1.0%. The incidence in eyes following uncomplicated procedures, with no other ocular pathology and with an intact posterior capsule was 0.8%. The incidence of opacification of the posterior capsule requiring capsulotomy was 16.7%. The mean time interval for a secondary capsulotomy was 24.3 months. A positive correlation between this time interval and patient age was established.