The invention relates to a method of performing ocular surgery, after an anterior
capsulotomy has been made, by forming a sealed expanded capsular bag. The method
includes sealing the capsular bag with a viscoelastic material to provide a gas
tight seal to prevent leakage into the anterior chamber of the eye during the surgical
process; expanding the capsular bag by introducing a gas capable of exerting a
pressure on the inner surface of the capsular bag wall; inspecting and/or treating
the capsular bag with one or several devices and/or agents suitable for performing
inspection and/or treatment. The inspection and/or treatment can comprise any of
visual inspection, estimation of capsular bag volume; labeling any residual epithelial
cells to detect the presence thereof; removing residual epithelial cells, implanting
one or more intracapsular implants; injecting a lens forming material for molding
a lens in situ; drying the lens capsule; alone or in any combination. Use of a
viscoelastic compound for the preparation of a temporary intraocular seal capable
of sealing the capsular bag is also provided.