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Affixes

phaco-

Also phako‑.

Lens of the eye; lens shaped.

Greek phakos, a lentil (from the shape of the seeds).

The most common term here is phacoemulsification, the use of ultrasound to break up a cataract so it can be removed through a small incision. Others are phacoanaphylactic, of an allergic reaction to protein released from the crystalline lens of the eye; phacomatosis, a hereditary condition which produces benign tumour-like nodules in the eye and other parts of the body; and phacolite, a colourless zeolite which is often lens shaped. The spelling phako‑ appears mainly in the US.