A device 1500 for performing an anterior capsulotomy procedure, wherein the device includes a body 1504 having proximal and distal ends. A cutting element 1010 having at least one surgical blade 1014 is rotatably disposed on a distal end of the body. The cutting element is attached to a pinion 1300 comprising a plurality of gear teeth 1310. The gear teeth on the pinion intermesh with gear teeth 1204 disposed on a distal end of a shaft assembly 1202. As the shaft assembly 1202 is moved laterally within the body 1504, the pinion 1300 is caused to rotate.
