CATARACT OF THE EYE

Below is the information about the treatment for Cataracts from 1871.

CATARACT OF THE EYE.
This disease is the result of inflammation attacking the crystalline lens, seated behind the pupil of the eye, for the purpose of refracting the rays of light. The transparent membrane which covers the lens, when inflamed becomes opaque, so that the rays of light cannot pass through it; and vision is gradually lessened until it is finally destroyed or obstructed.
Patients suffering from cataract, when they look at a candle burning, see the flame surrounded by a halo, or luminous circle; and they also see objects best in twilight, because the pupil is then more dilated, and the rays of light enter at the edges of the lens, where the opacity is thinnest.

The disease is easily recognised by looking into the eye, and observing the white or flaky appearance of the crystalline lens behind the pupil.

To cure this disease, the lens must be removed out of the axis of vision, and this operation can be performed in three different ways.

By extraction, making an incision in the pupil, and removing the lens out of the eye.
Secondly, by couching, introducing a curved needle through the white of the eye behind the pupil, and pressing the lens down below the pupil.

Thirdly, by breaking up, introducing an instrument through the pupil, tearing the opaque covering of the lens, and thus exposing the lens to the action of the aqueous humours of the eye, by which it becomes dissolved or absorbed.

The first operation, or extraction, if fortunate, and not followed by inflammation, gives a perfect cure; but it is more hazardous than the others.

The second operation, or couching, is much safer, and is easily performed; but it is not always perfect, because the lens, having been depressed, may rise again, and obstruct vision.
The third, or breaking up, is tardy in its results, for time is required to dissolve the lens, after the capsule is torn, and therefore I never adopted it; but many modern operators prefer it.