cataract definition history
Cataract is a medical condition that affects the lens of the eye, causing it to become cloudy and resulting in blurred or impaired vision. It is the leading cause of blindness worldwide.
The history of cataract dates back thousands of years. Ancient Egyptian texts as early as 2500 BCE describe a condition called "skhm" which is believed to refer to cataract. The Edwin Smith Surgical Papyrus, a medical text from ancient Egypt, also describes surgical techniques for cataract removal.
The Greek physician, Hippocrates, who lived in the 5th century BCE, also wrote about cataract and believed that it was caused by a buildup of humors in the eye.
Throughout the centuries, various theories were proposed to explain the causes and treatment of cataract. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that cataracts were caused by an imbalance of the body's humors. Surgeons attempted to treat cataract by piercing the eye with a needle to drain the fluid.
In the 18th century, advancements in understanding the anatomy of the eye led to the development of more effective surgical techniques for cataract extraction. However, these early surgeries were often risky and had a high rate of complications.
It was not until the 20th century that the modern technique of cataract surgery, called extracapsular cataract extraction, was developed. This involved removing the cloudy lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens. With advancements in technology and surgical techniques, cataract surgery has become one of the most commonly performed and successful surgeries today.
In recent years, there have been further advancements in cataract surgery, including the use of lasers for lens removal and the development of multifocal intraocular lenses, which can correct both near and distance vision.
Overall, the understanding, diagnosis, and treatment of cataract have evolved significantly over time, leading to improved outcomes and quality of life for those affected by this condition.