The procedure has come a long way since its ancient origins. Chitta mottia, translated from modern Urdu as “white blindness”, was in the past treated using techniques that will make you cringe.

This infographic describes a variety of techniques employed through the ages from “couching” a term used for using force to dislocate the cataract into the back of the eye, to” needling” and on to removal techniques using super-sharp knives and liquid nitrogen probes. A British development, the intraocular lens developed by Sir Harold Ridley transformed the procedure altogether. Sir Harold who treated injured pilots noticed windshield remnants in the eye that remained inert. This led him to consider making a lens out of the same Perspex material and sure enough this worked to help eliminate pebble glasses.

Other significant breakthroughs included the use of operating microscopes and also ways of removing the cataract through micro-incisions using high frequency ultrasound. In 2012 the femtosecond laser previously used for Lasik laser eye surgery was used to perform cataract surgery. Lasers today like the VICTUS at Centre for Sight use online imaging to accurately identify structures within the eye for accurate laser treatment. The precision and improvement in safety have been a giant leap forward.

One third of all UK adults over 65 have cataracts and the condition will in time affect us all. We are thankfully living in good times for eye surgery with high levels of safety and success. Recipients of modern laser cataract surgery in combination with high performance lenses now enjoy freedom from glasses altogether!

This infographic very quickly shows how cataract surgery evolved through the ages. So many disruptive changes by major innovators have led to an outstanding, fast, painless and highly effective procedure.

About Centre for Sight -
Established in 1996, Centre for Sight is a high-end provider of private eye care in the UK. Well known for numerous pioneering techniques and the introduction of new technology, its ethos is to provide patients with a phenomenal level of care both in terms of outcomes and experience. The Centre is internationally renowned and is a reference centre for the ophthalmic industry.