Phacoemulsification is a modern, micro-invasive surgical technique for cataract removal that involves fragmentation and aspiration of the clouded lens using an ultrasonic probe inserted into the eye through a small corneal incision 2-3 mm wide. This method uses high-frequency ultrasonic vibrations (28-60 kHz frequency) generated by a phacoemulsifier tip, which emulsifies the hard lens mass into small fragments while aspirating them from the lens capsule through an irrigation-aspiration system. Once the cloudy natural lens is removed, an artificial intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted in its place through the same small incision.
Phacoemulsification is currently the gold standard in cataract surgery due to its minimally invasive nature, short procedure time, rapid post-operative recovery and low risk of complications. This technique allows for the creation of self-sealing corneal incisions, which usually do not require sutures, thereby shortening the recovery period and minimising astigmatism post-operative. Modern phacoemulsification systems use additional technologies, such as torsional ultrasound vibration, femtosecond laser to perform the stages of the procedure (FLACS - femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery) and intra-operative imaging systems, which increases the precision and safety of the procedure, especially in cases of complex cataracts or coexisting ocular pathologies.