A system and tool for performing a capsulotomy procedure. The system includes an air pressure unit providing pressurized airflow, a capsulotomy and movement control unit providing electrical current and movement control, and a capsulotomy tool including a main housing, and an extendable-retractable burning element coupled to the main housing. The tool is in connection with the capsulotomy and movement control unit for providing electrical current to the burning element and movement control for extending and retracting the burning element. When the burning element is in a flattened, retracted configuration, the tip of the tool can be inserted through a relatively small corneal incision. Once in the anterior chamber, the burning element is switched to a circular, extended configuration, so as to allow performance of a capsulotomy by applying an electrical pulse to the burning element.
