In order to remove a cataract by extracapsular techniques, the capsule of the lens must be opened. In earlier intracapsular cataract extraction, the whole lens and capsule was removed at the same time.
For extracapsular cataract removal, the lens capsule needs to be breached. Conversely, in traditional intracapsular surgery, the whole lens along with its enclosing capsule was taken out at once.