Ophthalmology according to Aetius Amidenus

Abstract

The authors analyze the diseases described in the chapter 'Concerning the maladies of the eye' by the outstanding Byzantine author Aetius Amidenus. Where possible, the authors try to compare the medical ideas of Aetius with the up-to-date nosologic entities. To give a more comprehensive analysis, the authors try to complete the classification of diseases on an anatomic basis, following in most of the points that of Aetius. The ophthalmological diseases are classified as follows: a) eye-lids; b) cornea; c) sclera and conjunctiva; d) anterior chamber, iris and lens; e) lacrymal ducts; f) disturbances of the vision; and g) various others. The authors emphasize that the seventh chapter (Z' logos) constitutes a significant ophthalmologic manual, containing almost all the pertinent knowledge of that time.