Charles Kelman: The Father of Phacoemulsification

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.