Which cataract extraction method uses ultrasound energy to emulsify the lens?

• A. Lens Aspiration
• B. Phacoemulsification
• C. Extracapsular Cataract Extraction
• D. Intracapsular Cataract Extraction

Answer: (B)

Phacoemulsification is the method that uses ultrasound energy to emulsify the lens. In this approach, a small incision accommodates a probe that vibrates ultrasonically to break the cloudy lens into tiny fragments, which are then aspirated away with suction. The lens capsule remains and a folded intraocular lens is implanted through the same small incision, enabling a rapid recovery and smaller wound.

The other techniques rely on different principles: lens aspiration uses suction to remove lens material without ultrasound fragmentation, while extracapsular and intracapsular extractions remove the lens in one piece (or in larger fragments) through larger incisions and do not employ ultrasound to emulsify the lens.