Definition: Phacoemulsification is the most common cataract surgery technique performed. Cataract surgery is used to restore vision in patients whose vision has become cloudy from cataracts, a clouding of the eye's lens.
During phacoemulsification, a surgeon makes a small incision at the edge of the cornea and then creates an opening in the membrane that surrounds the lens. A small ultrasonic probe is then inserted, breaking up the cloudy lens into tiny fragments. The fragments are then suctioned out of the capsule by an attachment on the probe tip. After the lens is completely removed, an artificial lens is implanted.
Phacoemulsification is typically performed in an outpatient surgery center and normally does not require a hospital stay. The cataract surgery procedure is performed under local anesthesia (an anesthetic injected around the eye) or topical anesthesia (numbing drops inserted into the eye).
Also Known As: phaco
