Cataract definition history
A cataract is a clouding or opacity of the normally clear lens of the eye, resulting in blurred or impaired vision. The word "cataract" comes from the Latin word "cataracta," which means "waterfall" or "portcullis." This term was used in ancient times to describe the way the lens appeared when it turned opaque and obstructed vision.
The history of cataract dates back to ancient times. The first known written reference to cataract surgery can be traced back to around 2500 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia (modern-day Iraq). It was described on clay tablets called the "Sumerian Eye Book." The procedure involved pushing the cloudy lens out of the visual axis using a sharp tool or needle.
Cataract surgery continued to evolve over the centuries. In ancient Egypt, during the time of the Pharaohs, cataract surgery was performed using a thin reed to create an incision through which the cloudy lens was removed. The ancient Greek physician, Galen, further refined the procedure in the 2nd century CE.
However, cataract surgery techniques remained largely unchanged until the 18th century. At that time, French ophthalmologist Jacques Daviel introduced a technique called "couching," which involved using a needle to push the lens into the vitreous cavity of the eye. This technique was widely practiced for several decades until it was replaced by extracapsular cataract extraction in the 20th century.
In the 1960s, the development of intraocular lenses revolutionized cataract surgery. These artificial lenses could be implanted in the eye after removing the cloudy lens, allowing for improved vision correction. Over the years, the surgical techniques and quality of artificial lenses have continued to advance, leading to safer and more effective cataract surgeries.
Today, cataract surgery is one of the most commonly performed surgeries worldwide, with a high success rate and minimal complications. It has greatly improved the quality of life for millions of people suffering from cataracts.