Treatment of Eye Diseases in the Hippocratic Era

Abstract

For the treatment of eye diseases, Hippocrates described the application of ointments, administration of herbs, implementation of surgical interventions and the use of phlebotomy and cauterization along the “ancient vessels”.The Hippocratic use of bleeding and cauterization as a medical treatment has significant similarities to traditional Chinese medicine. The “ancient vessels” described by Hippocrates are not related to human anatomy, but are similar to the meridians of traditional Chinese medicine. The points chosen for cautery are similar to those described in ancient Chinese texts. The treatment of ophthalmic diseases with phlebotomy and cauterization during the Hippocratic period can undoubtedly be considered as alternative medicine.