Session 15

The Physics of Cataract

Cataract is one of the leading causes of vision loss in an otherwise healthy senior population. It is a natural consequence of ageing of the eye and one of its most misunderstood conditions. I will discuss the biophysics and optics of cataract development and its effect on vision. I will describe recent applications of laser technology to cataract removal that have made this procedure much quicker and safer. The optical principles of modern intraocular lens implants will also be discussed.

Biography

Dr. B. Ralph Chou is Professor Emeritus of Optometry at the University of Waterloo where he taught optics and clinical procedures for over 30 years. His research interests include optical radiation effects on the eye, impact resistance of lens and frame materials, and solar eclipse eye safety. Other activities include design and formulation of professional competency assessments for optometry licensing authorities. Author of over 100 book chapters and peer-reviewed publications, he is Editor-in-Chief of the Canadian Journal of Optometry, Chair of the Technical Committee on Industrial Eye and Face Protection of the Canadian Standards Association and Canadian representative on several technical standards committees of the International Organization for Standardization. He was President of the Toronto Centre of The Royal Astronomical Society of Canada (1986-1990 and 2008-2012) and now assists with the Toronto Centre's astronomy public outreach program at the David Dunlap Observatory. In September, he will become President of the Science Teachers Association of Ontario.