The evolution of intraocular lenses

Even though cataract surgery has been practised for over 2000 years, modern cataract surgery started just some 50 years ago.with the first IOL implant ation by Sir Harold Ridley. The development of intraocular lenses was accom panied by great successes and disasters. With the fast development of catar act surgical techniques over the past 15 years (ECCE, Phacoemulsification, Capsulorhexis) a successful mariage between IOL-developments and surgery wa s established. Indication profiles for cataract surgery and IOL implantatio n extended to more and more patient groups. At this time classical cataract surgery is further developing into refractive intraocular lens surgery to correct higher ametropia in clear lens or phakic eyes. This development was only possible because of the improvements of surgical techniques and impla nts in classical cataract surgery.