Phaco-emulsification causes the formation of cavitation bubbles

There have been reports of complications arising from damage to non-lenticular ocular tissue during the increasingly popular procedure of cataract extraction with phaco-emulsification. One cause of this damage might be the formation of cavitation bubbles. Such bubbles are known to produce free radicals and shock waves. This paper demonstrates directly the formation of cavitation bubbles at the tip of the phaco-probe. It also shows the importance of a smooth probe profile in reducing bubble formation. Recommendations are made for probe and tip design and for the use of minimum power during the surgical procedure of phaco-emulsification.