Modern Progress in Eye Care

Enjoy taking some time to remember how lucky we are to live in the modern age. Often we forget the little things that drastically improve our quality of life. During the month of gratitude, we are extremely grateful for modern eye care. For most of the existence of humanity, glasses have not been available for those with limited eyesight. Eyeglasses were invented in the 13th century. The quality and accuracy of correction was far from what we have available to us today. They were also a scarcity. Only the elite and very wealthy had access to them. Most people with failing eyesight would have to resort to squinting and just living with blurry eyesight. 

Medieval Eye Surgery

As difficult as that sounds, it hardly compares to some of the more serious eye conditions that were basically untreatable before modern medicine. For example, cataract surgery is one of the most common surgeries performed today. Before modern surgery, they had limited ways of treating this common eye disease. In an attempt to improve sight for patients with matured cataracts, a sharp needle was inserted into the eye near the cornea to push the foggy eye lens to the bottom of the eye, leaving it inside, but temporarily unblocking the light entering the eye. Unfortunately, the positive results were usually temporary and would quickly result in complete blindness. 

Ancient Eye Concoctions

Many eye conditions were treated with questionable methods. In Ancient Egypt, tortoise gall was used to treat Leukoma or a white spot of the cornea. Eyelid disorders were treated by pulling out the eyelash hairs and applying milk, blood, or animal excrements to the eye. As disgusting as these remedies sound, there were a few that actually seemed to make a difference. Medieval doctors would mix garlic, onion, wine and small amounts of cow bile to create salve which has recently been proven to actually have many antibacterial qualities. 

Grateful for Modern Eye Doctors

Even if you could call the cow bile concoction a success, most people would still choose modern medicine over that any day of the week. Advancements in medicine and technology has allowed for the previously impossible, such as LASIK surgery, organ donation, and vision therapy. This month, we spend a little time being thankful that we have clean, knowledgeable, expert eye doctors that help maintain eye care for us all.