Akihito, the Emperor Emeritus of Japan, has undergone cataract surgery on his left eye, according to Japanese media.
The former ruler of Japan was seen entering Tokyo University Hospital on Monday morning. He arrived alone, but his wife, Empress Emerita Michiko, joined him separately and the couple was photographed leaving the facility at around noon.
This procedure will be repeated on Sunday, 25th September, on his right eye. During the surgery, doctors will also remove signs of glaucoma that have emerged.
The decision to operate on the 88-years-old former Emperor came as a result of the worsening quality of life brought on by his impaired vision. His Majesty’s swift discharge indicates that the operation went smoothly and that there were no complications.
Cataract removal is a common minor surgical procedure for elderly people to tackle blurry vision caused by the ageing process.
Emperor Emeritus Akihito shocked the world in 2017, when, after months of speculation, it was announced that he would abdicate in favour of his son. His reign ended on the 30th of April 2019, marking the end of the Haisei era and the beginning of the Reiwa era under his son, Emperor Naruhito.
