Ophthalmological lore in the Corpus Hippocraticum

In this paper we examine the ophthalmological knowledge of the Hippocratic School as described in the Corpus Hippocraticum. An analysis is made of knowledge existing at the time concerning the anatomy of the eye and the physiology of vision, as well a diseases of the eye and ophthalmic surgical operations as depicted in the Corpus. In particular, the book "About Vision" from the Corpus Hippocraticum is discussed in detail. From our study of the extant texts it becomes apparent that not only was knowledge of ophthalmology considerably developed in the time of Hippocrates but it constituted a source of inspiration for ophthalmic treatments carried out by later physicians and in particular by those of the 19th century.