Cataract surgery is one of the most common and safest procedures in modern medicine. Yet its history dates back several millennia, and bears witness to the incredible evolution of medical and technological knowledge.
Ancient origins
One of the earliest references to cataract surgery dates back to around 2000 BC, in medical texts from India and ancient Egypt. In those days, the most widespread technique was “couching”. This involved using a needle to move the opacified lens inside the eye, causing it to fall out of the field of vision. While this method may have temporarily improved vision, it did not provide lasting correction and often led to serious complications, such as infections or glaucoma.
The advent of surgical instruments in Europe and the Middle East
In the Middle Ages, Arab physicians documented improvements in the procedure. They introduced more precise instruments and methods to minimize infections. The Renaissance also marked a period of increased experimentation, with new surgical tools appearing in Europe.
The 18th century: the birth of lens extraction
A major turning point came in 1747, when French surgeon Jacques Daviel performed the first extracapsular lens extraction. Unlike couching, this method involved completely removing the opacified lens rather than simply moving it. This advance reduced complications and improved visual results for patients.
The 20th century: the era of modern surgery
With the rise of microbiology and aseptic techniques, cataract surgery became safer in the early 20th century. One of the most significant revolutions was the introduction of intraocular lenses (IOLs) by Sir Harold Ridley in 1949. These artificial lenses enabled patients to regain more natural vision after surgery.
In the 1960s and 1970s, phacoemulsification transformed cataract surgery into a minimally invasive procedure. This technique uses ultrasound to fragment the crystalline lens before extraction, enabling smaller incisions and faster recovery.
Today and tomorrow: promising technological advances
Today, cataract surgery is a routine procedure, performed in just a few minutes under local anaesthetic. Recent advances include the use of the femtosecond laser, which improves the precision of the operation, and the development of advanced intraocular lenses to simultaneously correct presbyopia and astigmatism.
The history of cataract surgery is a perfect illustration of the constant evolution of medicine. From the first primitive attempts to ultramodern techniques, this specialty has improved the lives of millions of people around the world. Thanks to technological advances, the future of cataract surgery looks even brighter, offering patients ever safer and more effective solutions.
