The NHS is marking 75 years of cataract surgery, a procedure that aids in restoring eyesight.
This surgical intervention entails the removal of a cloudy lens—a small, transparent disc located within the eye—and its replacement with a lens crafted from acrylic plastic.
Without this operation, individuals may experience blurred vision that can ultimately lead to blindness; approximately half of those over 60 years old exhibit some level of cataracts.
Since its initial offering at St Thomas’ Hospital in 1950, an estimated one billion cataract surgeries have been performed globally.
Among those who have undergone the procedure are John and Freda McBean, a couple from south-east London.
“I’m already noticing improvements and can see more brightness than before,” mentioned Mr. McBean, a retired deputy teacher from Chislehurst.
About a decade ago, he suffered a retinal tear, and during the subsequent repair surgery, the doctor identified the onset of a cataract.
Over the past five years, Mr. McBean’s vision progressively declined, prompting him to have cataract surgery on his left eye in February to remove the cloudy lens.
He reported feeling calm since his wife had both eyes operated on the previous year.
Mrs. McBean, 72, stated that her vision is now exceptional, requiring reading glasses only for extremely fine print.
The retired primary school teacher remarked, “The surgery went flawlessly, and the experience was astonishing.”
Reflecting on his own surgery, Mr. McBean expressed disbelief at being among the patients receiving surgery around the anniversary.
“I feel familiar with the procedure, so I wasn’t anxious,” he added. “It was remarkable, and I am truly amazed by the team’s work. It’s incredible to think that this surgery has evolved over my lifetime, and I’m glad to be part of the hospital’s history.”
Sir Harold, the pioneer of the technique, made his groundbreaking discovery after treating a Spitfire pilot who had acrylic splinters lodged in his eye. He observed that, unlike most foreign materials, the eye accepted this particular type of plastic.
Initially considered revolutionary, Sir Harold’s invention faced skepticism from much of the medical community but has since become the most prevalent eye surgery worldwide.
Currently, the procedure lasts just 15 to 30 minutes per eye, with patients able to go home within hours.
To commemorate 75 years since its creation, ophthalmologists at Guy’s and St Thomas’ unveiled a portrait of Sir Harold Ridley, a gift to the hospital from the Ridley Eye Foundation.
Dr. Sancy Low, the consultant ophthalmic surgeon who conducted Mr. McBean’s surgery, stated, “The narrative of Sir Harold Ridley’s journey serves as an extraordinary reminder of our ability to enhance lives, bringing light to John, Freda, and countless others around the globe.”
