An operation for cataract in which the front of the lens capsule is cut extensively by a fine knife or needle inserted through the edge of the cornea. Subsequently the lens is absorbed naturally into the surrounding fluid of the eye. It is usually necessary to perform capsulotomy later.
The term applied to an operation for destroying a structure by tearing it without removal: for example, the operation of needling the lens of the eye for cataract.
Rupture of the capsule of the crystalline lens in cataract surgery.