Knock Knock Eye: The History of Cataract Surgery

This week, I'm diving into the juiciest part of the eyeball—literally and historically. From ancient couching techniques that involved jabbing your eye with a sharp stick (yes, really) to modern lenses inspired by World War II cockpit glass, we’re going deep into cataract surgery's wild evolution. Also: a peek at what fireworks do to your eyeballs, my questionable thoughts on ASMR medicine, and why the human lens is the peanut M&M of the ocular world. You’ll never look at your eyeballs—or your sparklers—the same way again.

Takeaways:

• Fireworks and Roman candles are an ophthalmologist’s recurring July nightmare.

• The earliest cataract surgeries involved pushing your lens into your vitreous chamber—on purpose.

• The eye’s limbus is basically the Achilles’ heel of your vision.

• British pilots with plastic in their eyeballs helped invent modern lens implants.

• Want to learn better? Try laughing about Gaucher’s disease.

—

To Get Tickets to Wife & Death: You can visit Glaucomflecken.com/live 

We want to hear YOUR stories (and medical puns)! Shoot us an email and say hi! knockknockhi@human-content.com

Can’t get enough of us? Shucks. You can support the show on Patreon for early episode access, exclusive bonus shows, livestream hangouts, and much more! –⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ http://www.patreon.com/glaucomflecken⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Also, be sure to check out the newsletter: https://glaucomflecken.com/glauc-to-me/

If you are interested in buying a book from one of our guests, check them all out here: https://www.amazon.com/shop/dr.glaucomflecken

If you want more information on models I use:

Anatomy Warehouse provides for the best, crafting custom anatomical products, medical simulation kits and presentation models that create a lasting educational impact.  For more information go to Anatomy Warehouse DOT com. Link: https://anatomywarehouse.com/?aff=14 Plus for 15% off use code: Glaucomflecken15

--

A friendly reminder from the G’s and Tarsus: If you want to learn more about Demodex Blepharitis, making an appointment with your eye doctor for an eyelid exam can help you know for sure. Visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠http://www.EyelidCheck.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for more information. 

Produced by⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Human Content

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices