Nineteenth-Century Developments Related to Sight and the Eye
Overview
While the human eye has always inspired poets and writers, this small organ was studied by ancient scholars and physicians long before the advent of modern science. Many of the words related to the study of the eye derive from the Greek (ophthalmos) and Latin (opticus) words for eye. Thus, the study of the eye is called ophthalmology, and the measure of the eye, optometry. An ophthalmologist is a doctor of medicinewho diagnoses and treats diseases of the eye. An optometrist has been specially trained to give eye health and vision examinations.
While much of the structure of the eye was known at the beginning of the nineteenth century, the science developed so rapidly that its history is essentially a succession of biographies of scientists who added pieces to the puzzle. Several lesser-known physicians also developed advances in diagnoses and equipment. By the end of the nineteenth century, the knowledge of eye structure and function set the stage for the unprecedented treatments, such as laser surgery, and other advances during the twentieth century.
Background
Ophthalmology is an old science. Ancient Egyptians recognized and treated eye disorders, and surgeons in Greece operated on the eye.
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