Abstract: A phacoemulsification needle can include a head with a lumen, a shaft with a lumen, and a hub with a lumen, wherein the lumen diameter increases from the head to the hub. In some embodiments, the head of the phacoemulsification needle can be tapered such that the proximal end of the head is wider than the distal end of the head. In some embodiments, the distal end of the head has a beveled tip. In some embodiments, the sides of the head can be tapered and hexagonal, square, or triangular in cross-section. In some embodiments, the phacoemulsification needle can decrease the amount of ultrasonic energy, aspiration rate, or vacuum needed during phacoemulsification of a cataract.