A 3.7-gm cataract cryoextractor which is charged with dichlorodifluoromethane from a 1-oz aerosol can has been designed. The conductance of the tip is small, only 0.23 calorie/minute degree of centigrade, allowing irrigation to be used to thaw unwanted bonds. The refrigerant is sterilized by the inclusion of 200 parts per million ethylene oxide inside the aerosol can. The extractor itself may be autoclaved and reused with a new can of refrigerant.