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To the Editor:
In the October, 1962, issue of the Archives of Ophthalmology Dr. A. E. Sloane wrote an editorial entitled "Visual Function is Not a Number," in which he stressed that we do some people a disservice in removing their cataract or cataracts. He says, "Too often 20/20 aphakic vision is a 20/20 cripple." There never was a better editorial written; it should be framed and hung wherever eye residents are trained and read by practicing ophthalmologists every month. I agree with his statements wholeheartedly; it should have been said sooner and it should be reiterated at frequent intervals in the future.Inasmuch as the irritation and disorientation produced by an aphakic correction are common knowledge, and most elderly people are happier with 20/40 phakic vision and an almost full peripheral field than with 20/20 vision and limited peripheral field, why do surgeons do these cataract extractions unless the