The age-related opacification of the eye's natural lens is the most common reason for blindness worldwide. This ophthalmic disease is still regarded as irreversible and up to now the only treatment option has been surgical removal of the opacified natural lens from the ocular optical path. Appropriate procedures have been known since ancient times and practiced over the past centuries despite a number of considerable side effects. Cataract surgery was revolutionized with the implantation of the first intraocular lens (IOL) after previous lens extractions performed by Sir Harold Ridley in 1949. Since then, the former age-related cataract surgery has developed into a modern, minimally invasive surgical procedure. Today, in addition to its primary purpose, restoration of vision, the optimization of visual performance under all relevant everyday viewing conditions and the related quality of life are at the heart of medical research and development activities.
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