The idea of the first intraocular lens was born in England, after the end of World War II, when the ophthalmologist Harold Ridley understood the importance of replacing the crystalline lens, rather than merely removing it, in the treatment of cataract .
Some patients at St Thomas' Hospital, where the doctor practiced, were pilots of the Royal Air Force, hospitalized as they had reported eye injuries. Dr. Ridley noted among the soldiers that the splinters from the dome of the "Supermarine Spitfire" fighter planes that penetrated the eyes caused no reaction.
From this observation, the same material was used - polymethylmethacrylate - to produce the first biocompatible artificial crystallines to be used during cataract operations.
