Phacoemulsification refers to modern cataract surgery in which the eye's internal lens is emulsified with an ultrasonic handpiece and aspirated from the eye. Aspirated fluids are replaced with balanced salt solution, thus maintaining the anterior chamber pressure. Subsequently, a replacement intraocular lens (IOL) is implanted to effectively restore the patients' vision.

The superior advantage with phacoemulsification is the small incision required for both lens removal and IOL insertion. Patient recovery is significantly reduced when compared to other lens removal techniques.