The evolution of cataract surgery

Introduction Cataracts are common. They are the main cause of blindness, with an estimated 17 million people worldwide blind from cataract. By way of comparison, six million are estimated to be blind from onchoceriasis, trachoma and other causes of corneal opacity. Presently, the only known treatment for cataract is the surgical removal of the lens. The number of cataract operations performed in the UK has risen dramatically in recent years. Anyone reaching full life expectancy is more likely to have a cataract operation, than any of the next nine surgical procedures combined. A number of factors have contributed to this remarkable increase. The population is on average older and the environment has become more demanding of older people. To function independently, one needs to drive, to work various computer interfaces such as automatic teller machines, and to watch the news on television. However, the major reason for the increase in the frequency of cataract surgery is that a more effective procedure has evolved. This means that surgery can be performed on patients with minimal disability, or excellent visual acuity and those patients with cataract in only one eye can benefit from cataract surgery. Nowadays, not only is the procedure more effective, but it is also safer. Indeed, cataract surgery, as it is performed today, is one of mankind’s greatest achievements of the last millennium. However, the history of cataract surgery dates back at least two millennia earlier.