Phacoemulsification (phaco) is a surgical technique which uses ultrasound technology . In "phaco" or small incision surgery, a small probe is inserted into the capsular membrane which surrounds the cloudy lens. Ultrasound is used to gently break-up (or emulsify) the cloudy lens into tiny pieces which can be removed though the tip of the probe.

In comparison, traditional surgery techniques require the lens to be removed in one piece through a relatively large incision. Traditional cataract surgery requires an incision that spans a third of the perimeter of the cornea and needs as many as eight stitches to close.

In contrast, the phaco technique allows the cloudy lens to be removed through an incision as small as 1.5 to 3.0 mm on the cornea. This type of surgery means faster recovery period.

Cataract Surgery is an outpatient procedure which usually takes 30-60 minutes. Vision is restored almost immediately in most cases. However, vision usually continues to improve in weeks following the procedure.