History of cataract surgery from ancient times to today

Abstract

Cataract surgery is the most frequently performed ophthalmic surgery worldwide. This year approximately 32 million surgeries will be performed. The journey to modern, quick, and safe cataract surgery has been quite long. This review covers topics from ancient couching to the most modern phacoemulsification and femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. The gain in quality of life is the largest with cataract surgery compared to other implant surgeries (e.g. knee, hip replacement, etc.). Ophthalmology has made huge advancements in recent decades. New microsurgical tools and diagnostic equipment have been developed, together with new surgical methods and foldable intraocular lenses, made from biocompatible material. From monofocal lenses, through aspheric, toric, and multifocal lenses, to multifocal toric lenses, today almost all kinds of refractive error can be compensated, including presbyopia. Teamwork, precise preoperative assessment, and fine surgical technique should also be emphasized in order to achieve the best and most predictable postoperative results for both patient and surgeon.