# Charles Kelman: The Father of Phacoemulsification

## TL;DR

Charles Kelman revolutionized cataract surgery by introducing a faster, safer technique using ultrasonic technology.

## Contribution

Kelman pioneered phacoemulsification, replacing traditional cataract removal methods with a minimally invasive approach.

## Key findings

- Phacoemulsification reduced surgery time to 5-7 minutes and minimized hospitalization.
- The technique gained global acceptance due to its safety and effectiveness.
- Kelman's method became the preferred cataract surgery technique worldwide.

## Abstract

Charles D. Kelman was a brilliant American ophthalmologist who revolutionized cataract surgery by introducing phacoemulsification to replace extracapsular cataract extraction. He used an ultrasonic probe to emulsify and aspirate the lens through a small incision (3-4 mm). Kelman’s technique met initial resistance at first, but it gained global acceptance after proving its safety and effectiveness in the management of cataractous eyes, and it has been the preferred technique until now. Today, the entire surgery is performed in 5-7 minutes. This technique also helped to reduce hospitalization after the surgical removal of a cataract. Kelman is one of the greatest surgeons of the last century.