An apparatus and method for controlling fluid flow to an ocular region is provided. The apparatus includes a control unit having a processor, a user interface configured to receive data from the processor and provide information to an operator, and a memory unit configured to provide information to the processor. The memory unit includes a lookup table configured with a plurality of fluid parameter related conditions potentially expected to be encountered during a phacoemulsification procedure and a plurality of warning entries, each warning entry associated with fluid parameter related conditions potentially expected to be encountered during the phacoemulsification procedure. Each warning entry corresponding to a level of performance outside a predetermined range is conveyed to the operator via the user interface and in certain instances functionality of the apparatus may be altered.
