The question "Who invented the first eye surgery?" is somewhat ambiguous as eye surgeries have evolved over centuries. To give a clearer answer, we can analyze specific milestones in the history of eye surgery based on the provided references. Here’s a breakdown:
Early Eye Surgery Pioneers
The provided references point to significant advancements in cataract surgery. Before planned extractions, couching, a procedure pushing the lens out of the field of vision, was common. However, these references highlight a transition to more complex extractions:
Jacques Daviel
- Contribution: Jacques Daviel is credited with performing the first documented planned primary cataract extraction on September 18, 1750. This surgery was performed on a cleric in Cologne.
- Significance: This marks a significant departure from merely displacing the lens, moving towards removing the cataract.
Samuel Sharp
- Contribution: In 1753, Samuel Sharp performed the first recorded surgical removal of the entire lens and lens capsule. He achieved this by making a limbal incision.
- Significance: Sharp's technique was an advancement as it included removing not just the lens, but also the entire lens capsule. This was a more complete extraction method.
Summary of the Advances in Cataract Surgery
| Surgeon | Year | Surgical Advance |
|---|---|---|
| Jacques Daviel | 1750 | First documented planned primary cataract extraction. |
| Samuel Sharp | 1753 | First recorded removal of entire lens and capsule. |
Conclusion
While Daviel made a significant stride with the first planned primary extraction, Sharp took the process further with the removal of the entire lens and lens capsule. It is important to note that these are not necessarily the absolute first attempts at eye surgery, but rather the first documented advancements toward what is considered modern cataract surgery. Therefore, both Daviel and Sharp made significant contributions.
