An improved solution for use in the removal of cataractous lenses via liquefracture is described. The liquefracture solution contains a viscosity-enhancing agent to increase the residence time of the solution in the heating chamber of the liquefracture handpiece, thereby increasing the expulsion force of the solution from the handpiece (i.e., "pulse force"). An agent that releases gas when the liquefracture solution is heated in the handpiece may also be included in the solution, thereby also enhancing the pulse force of the solution upon expulsion from the handpiece. The solution preferably also contains a partially water-soluble agent that forms a temporarily insoluble precipitate when heated in a liquefracture handpiece. The precipitate acts as an abrasive agent when expelled with the liquefracture solution from the handpiece, thereby facilitating the cutting and disintegration of the cataractous lens material.