Cataracts, a clouding of the eye’s lens, have plagued humanity for millennia. Thankfully, effective treatments exist today, but the journey to get here is a fascinating story of medical progress, let’s review the cataract surgery history.
Millions Affected, But What Are Cataracts?
Over 20 million American adults over 40 have cataracts, and the risk increases with age. More than half of all Americans age 80 or older either have cataracts or have had surgery to remove them. As proteins in the lens clump, vision suffers and may become blurry or dimmed, becoming sensitive to light. If left untreated, these symptoms can even lead to complete blindness. Unfortunately, surgery is the only way to treat a cataract once it’s developed. However, with modern advancements, there are many options available.
A History of Treatments: From Pushing to Precision
Around 600 BC, the earliest attempts involved a risky procedure called “couching.” Imagine using a blunt object to push the clouded lens around – not a recipe for success! This remained the norm for centuries until 1747, when a French surgeon, Jacques Daviel, achieved a breakthrough: removing the cataract without dislodging it entirely.
Monet’s Murky Masterpieces: A Case of Cataracts
Even the great Claude Monet wasn’t immune. His paintings became noticeably muddier as cataracts clouded his vision in his 50s. Initially hesitant due to past surgeries’ poor results, Monet eventually underwent surgery in 1923. Though a notoriously stubborn patient, the surgery, paired with glasses, allowed him to return to his vibrant style.
Medical Eye Center Contributions
Medical Eye Center has played a vital role in the legacy of many Ophthalmic contributions, both in the Rogue Valley and the specialty itself. In 1911, Dr. Emmens relocated from Philadelphia to the Rogue Valley, establishing his new office at what’s now known as the Woolworth Building on Riverside Ave; back then, it was known as The Medical Center Building.
As medicine became more specialized, the practice began to focus on eye care and became known as Medical Eye Center. Dr. John T. Weisel joined Medical Eye Center in the late 1950s, working with Dr. Emmens for a short time before he passed away. Dr. John Retzlaff was a local internist who decided to change fields, did an ophthalmology residency, and eventually joined Dr. Weisel.
Taking Cataract Care to a New Level
By 1968, Medical Eye Center was helmed by these two highly respected eye surgeons whose experience was soon respected worldwide. Drs. Weisel and Retzlaff were early pioneers in cataract removal and lens implantation, and their work contributed to the approval of the intraocular lens by the FDA. In 1974, they also performed the first cataract extraction by phacoemulsification in Oregon. This process was the latest advancement in cataract removal at the time. It involved using an ultrasonic probe that vibrates 40,000 times per second and causes the cataract to disintegrate into tiny particles, which are then removed through a suction instrument. Until then, patients were required to stay in the hospital for a few days, but phacoemulsification allowed smaller incisions and a shorter, safer, post-operative course. This was a considerable advance toward modern cataract surgery. Dr. Weisel traveled the world lecturing to other doctors and teaching them to perform the delicate surgery of removing cataract-damaged lenses and replacing them with plastic ones. Those doctors, in turn, have led the technique to many others, helping to refine surgical skills among their peers.
Dr. Retzlaff was an esteemed lecturer and researcher. In the mid-1980s, he helped develop a technique to determine the proper lens power in cataract implants after removing the old lens. Eye surgeons worldwide still employ the SRK formula, of which the “R” stands for Retzlaff. He was also one of five doctors to participate in FDA research of a drug called bendazac for use in halting cataract development.
Modern Marvels: Safe and Effective Cataract Surgery
Today, cataract surgery is a remarkably safe and successful procedure, boasting a 99% success rate! Modern techniques utilize advanced materials to replace the clouded lens with a clear, artificial one. This allows millions to undergo this procedure annually, often achieving near-perfect vision.
A Legacy of Innovation at Medical Eye Center
Again, this commitment to cutting-edge technology extends to Medical Eye Center’s history, as Drs. Weisel and Retzlaff recruited Dr. Paul Jorizzo and Dr. Paul Imperia. Dr. Imperia participated in the original FDA studies for LASIK and brought the first excimer laser to Southern Oregon in 1996.
During his time as Director of Glaucoma, Dr. Jorizzo played a hand in many instances of growth within the practice, opening the first in Oregon to be AAAHC accredited facility in 1996, in 2005 Medical Eye Center became the first to offer premium Intra-Ocular Lens in the region, and again later performing first Light
Adjustable Lens implants in our region which is now widely offered for cataract patients and Refractive Lens Exchange patients or those that have not yet developed cataracts entirely.
The Takeaway: Don’t Live in the Shadows
Cataract surgery is a powerful tool to reverse vision loss. If you’re experiencing symptoms, don’t hesitate to get an eye exam. With modern advancements, living with cataracts is largely preventable, and today’s cataract treatment is so advanced that the entire surgery can take less than minutes to accomplish. Medical Eye Center continues to pride itself on our rich legacy and the ongoing adoption of the best and newest technologies in practice by our incredible staff of physicians.
We’re here to Help You See Clearly! Schedule an appointment today to discuss your eye health. You’re in great hands.
Sources:
https://visionsource.com/blog/cataract-treatment-has-come-a-long-way/
https://www.medicaleyecenter.com/about-us/our-history/
https://www.nei.nih.gov/learn-about-eye-health/eye-conditions-and-diseases/cataracts
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