No port phacoemulsification needle sleeve

1 . A phacoemulsification needle sleeve comprising:

an elongated, resilient essentially tubular body portion having a distal end and a proximal end for surrounding a portion of a shaft of a phacoemulsification needle;

an enlarged section formed on the proximal end of the body portion for surrounding a hub of the needle; and

wherein the distal end is formed to abut a proximal end of a flared end of the needle, such that an outer diameter of the body portion is essentially equal to an outer diameter of the flared end so that the sleeve is easily inserted through an incision in a patient's eye.

2 . The sleeve of claim 1 , wherein the enlarged section is formed to receive a flow of fluid from a source of irrigation fluid and wherein the sleeve is devoid of any irrigation ports in the body portion.

3 . The sleeve of claim 4 , wherein the sleeve is formed of silicone.

4 . The sleeve of claim 2 , wherein the needle includes at least one hole for allowing irrigation fluid to flow into an inner aspiration lumen of the needle.

5 . The sleeve of claim 1 and surrounding the phacoemulsification needle is sized to be inserted into the incision of less then 2 mm in length.

6 . (canceled)