| Phacoemulsification | |
|---|---|
 Phacoemulsification: Cataract surgery, by a temporal approach, using a phacoemulsification probe (in right hand) and "chopper"(in left hand), being done under operating microscope at a United States Navy medical center | |
| ICD-9-CM | 13.41 |
| MeSH | D018918 |
Phacoemulsification is a cataract surgery method in which the internal lens of the eye which has developed a cataract is emulsified with the tip of an ultrasonic handpiece and aspirated from the eye. Aspirated fluids are replaced with irrigation of balanced salt solution to maintain the volume of the anterior chamber during the procedure. This procedure minimises the incision size and reduces the recovery time and risk of surgery-induced astigmatism.
It is best suited to relatively soft cataracts, where the ultrasonic energy required is moderate, and insertion of foldable intraocular prosthetic lenses, which take advantage of the small incision possible. It is the most common procedure for cataract removal in the developed world, with an excellent prognosis in uncomplicated cases.