Ophthalmology in Ancient Egypt

Abstract

The civilization of Ancient Egypt is the one that has the most references regarding the work of ophthalmologists, compared to the rest of the ancient civilizations. There are complete anatomical and treatment descriptions. Pepi Ankh Or Iri, who lived between 2270 and 2210 BC, is recognized as the first documented ophthalmologist in history. Ophthalmological cures were carried out with prayers, incantations, astrology for prognosis, amulets and pharmacotherapy with eye drops and ointments. Details of ophthalmologic surgery are unknown. The Edwin Smith (1600 BC), Ebers (1550 BC), Hearst (1550 BC) and London (1300 BC) medical papyri include ophthalmological pathologies. Ophthalmological medical assistance was in charge of lay doctors or swnw, priests and magicians, who worked together, since they believed that the origin of diseases was the result of external agents, as well as supernatural causes. The importance of this historical review article lies in pointing out some of the avant-garde aspects of the ancient Egyptian civilization with respect to ophthalmology and its practice, and the coexistence in their society of a rational medical practice together with a magical-religious approach.