[Thirty years of cryo-ophthalmology. Work dedicated to the memory of Dr. Tadeusz Krwawicz].

It is 30 years since Krwawicz presented a new method of cataract surgery at low temperature. This operation was not only widely accepted, but also showed the possibilities of the use of low temperature in medicine. It soon became apparent that such methods might be helpful in treating a number of eye diseases. This was beginning of a new branch of ophthalmology, cryoophthalmology. The paper presents its development, its position in ophthalmology and the latest achievements. After the 30 years, cryoophthalmology has preserved its importance and its constant evolution; it remains the subject of investigations of many research centres.