Ophthalmology in proverbs and aphorisms.
After a comprehensive review of available texts and literature covering five millennia, the authors present a collection of ophthalmic proverbs and aphorisms with an examination of their applicability within current medical knowledge. A total of 74 ophthalmic proverbs and aphorisms were retrieved from 130 texts and divided into seven categories: (i) importance of vision ('The eyes, like sentinels, hold the highest place in the body'); (ii) definition of blindness and anatomical observations ('The eye is protected by the lashes, eyebrows, and orbit'); (iii) diseases of the eye such as presbyopia, sensitivity to light and dry eye ('Tear in the eye is jewel'); (iv) the eye as a window of the body; (v) vulnerability of the eye ('The eye cannot oppose an awl'); (vi) health behaviours and protection of sight ('Be gentle with two: women and eyes'), and finally; and (vii) nutrition and vision ('Carrots improve vision'). The majority of these proverbs and aphorisms can be used as a guide, not for prognosis, diagnosis or cure, but rather for ocular health promotion.
Mansour
Ahmad M
AM
Department of Ophthalmology, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon. dr.ahmad@cyberia.net.lb
Hamam
Rola N
RN
Mehio-Sibai
Abla
A
D001045:Aphorisms and Proverbs as Topic; D049668:History, 15th Century; D049669:History, 16th Century; D049670:History, 17th Century; D049671:History, 18th Century; D049672:History, 19th Century; D049673:History, 20th Century; D049674:History, 21st Century; D049690:History, Ancient; D049691:History, Medieval; D006801:Humans; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000266:history*