The invention relates to systems and methods for controlling vacuum within phacoemulsification systems. The phacoemulsification system may include a handpiece having a needle coupled to a power Source configured to cause the needle to be ultrasonically vibrated during operation, and an aspiration Source. The system includes a footpedal that defines a first position and a second position, and also includes a computer program product operatively coupled to the handpiece and the foot pedal, having a computer usable medium with a sequence of instructions which causes the processor to control power from the power source and vacuum from the aspiration source applied to the handpiece. The process provides a vacuum at a first level to the handpiece when the footpedal is at the first position; provides power to the handpiece when the footpedal is at the second position; and reduces the vacuum to a second level when the footpedal position transitions.