[30 years of cataract operation (author's transl)]

A survey is given of 26443 cataract operations at the University Eye Hospital of Graz in the years 1950-1980. Different phases are evident: 1. Extraction with a forceps. 2. A phase of expression. 3. Extraction by means of an erysiphake. 4. Extraction with a cryo-extractor. Enzymatic zonulolysis is of particular importance and performed with trypsin only. Almost all cataract operations are performed by enzymatic zonulolysis with trypsin. Details of the operation technique are pointed out. The connections between cataract surgery and increased intraocular pressure, vitreous body complications and retina and mentioned. Complications during and after operation and problems of anesthesia are discussed. Different special questions like cataract diabetes, cataract and myopia, cataracta complicata, cataracta congenita, cataracta traumatica and cataracta secundaria are pointed out. Our opinion is also given on combined operations like cataract and glaucoma, cataract and keratoplasty or binocular cataract operation. The correction of aphakia by means of intraocular lenses or refractive keratoplasty is discussed.