The advantage of a planned extracapsular cataract extraction is that the intact posterior capsule holds the vitreous face in a more physiologic position. The extracapsular method has been improved by newer techniques and a good result has been made more certain by the following: a large microscopically controlled capsulectomy with the irrigating cystotome, aspiration of the cortex while the wound is secured with sutures, and the use of the irrigating sand-blasted cannula when indicated. The indications for the extracapsular extraction have increased because there is a greater certainty of obtaining a clear pupil with less change of secondary inflamation. These indications and the newer technique are discussed in the body of the paper.