While the question implies traditional external lenses for cataracts, the modern approach involves intraocular lenses (IOLs). The pioneer of the intraocular lens is widely considered to be Harold Ridley.
Harold Ridley and Intraocular Lenses
- Harold Ridley's Innovation: The provided reference, "Harold Ridley and the invention of the intraocular lens," highlights Ridley's groundbreaking work.
- Accidental Discovery: Ridley observed that plastic shards from airplane canopies, made of polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), were inert in the eyes of injured pilots during World War II. This gave him the idea to use this material for artificial lenses.
- Initial Challenges: Early IOLs faced skepticism and technical difficulties.
- Long-Term Impact: Despite initial resistance, IOLs revolutionized cataract surgery, becoming the standard treatment globally.
Cataract Treatment: Before and After IOLs
| Feature | Before IOLs | With IOLs |
|---|---|---|
| Vision Correction | Thick glasses or contact lenses required | Improved vision without thick glasses |
| Surgical Outcome | Vision often significantly impaired | Significant improvement in vision clarity |
| Recovery | Longer recovery time, greater inconvenience | Quicker recovery, minimal inconvenience |
The Evolution of IOLs
- Material Advancements: From PMMA to foldable materials like silicone and acrylic, improving surgical implantation.
- Design Improvements: Multifocal and accommodating IOLs providing range vision, not just single distance vision.
- Surgical Techniques: Advancements in surgical techniques such as phacoemulsification that allows smaller incisions.
While people have attempted to correct vision after cataract removal for centuries with external lenses, Harold Ridley is credited with inventing the intraocular lens, the lens implanted inside the eye during cataract surgery. This is a fundamentally different approach and is the basis for modern cataract treatment.
