Lorne Bellan, MD, FRCSC, Acting Department Head, Department of Ophthalmology, Misericordia Health Centre, Winnipeg, MB.

In addition to the clinical presentation and diagnosis of cataracts, a summary of the development of cataract surgery is presented. Indications for cataract surgery are now based on subjective visual impairment rather than measured visual acuity. Cataract surgery can now be done safely through 3mm self-sealing incisions with excellent results and rapid recovery.
Key words: cataract, lens, phacoemulsification, visual acuity, red reflex.