Roman Ophthalmic Science (743 B.C. ‐ A.D. 476)

Abstract

Literary and archeological evidence for the achievements and progress of Roman ophthalmic science is reviewed. It appears that, by the end of the period under consideration, significant advances had been made in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of ocular disorders, and in knowledge of ocular anatomy. However, in spite of their possession of skills of a high order in some aspects of glass technology and their familiarity with various aspects of geometrical optics, the Romans never developed optical aids to overcome refractive defects.