The evil eye is a symbol with a long and complex history. Dating back to the stone age, and cementing its eminence in Ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman classical writings, the symbol stems from the belief that envious people have the power to use an “evil glare” that manifests as a curse, undoing good fortune (1, 2). And, although rooted in antiquity, mystical single eye motifs still influence the modern world through mediums such as fashion, literature, and film. Most famously, the Eye of Providence is referenced on the back of the US $1 bill (3).
The evil eye symbol, and the mystique surrounding it, has even invaded the world of medicine – and ophthalmology, with some people believing that cases of strabismus and blepharospasm are signs of bad luck brought on by the evil eye (4). And it is not uncommon for individuals to seek the advice of spiritual healers when addressing eye complications, rather than consulting physicians – but not without risk. After consulting with a local charlatan, a man with severe cataracts refused to undergo restorative surgery, passing away two years later without recovering his sight (5).
More directly linking to every-day ophthalmology, several specific terms harken back to ancient times. For example, some believe the symbol Rx may have evolved from the “Eye of Horus,” which represents well-being and healing (1). And it’s no coincidence that the symbol of the American Medical Association is the staff of Asclepius – the Greek God of healing whose power could bring the dead back to life when his staff entwined with a snake (6). Consider also OS – ocular sinister; although left in Latin translates to “sinister,” the English understanding of this term is one that denotes corruption and wrongdoing, linking to the ancient Greek understanding that left was evil.
Do you know of any similar cultural or historical symbols that still reverberate in the field of ophthalmology? To answer this question or share your thoughts on this topic, please get in touch: edit@theophthalmologist.com.
References
- G H Bohigian, “The history of the evil eye and its influence on ophthalmology, medicine and social customs,” Documenta Ophthalmologica, 94, 91 (1997). PMID: 9657293.
- BBC Culture, “The strange power of the ‘evil eye’” (2018). Available at: https://bbc.in/3z68jS2.
- BBC Culture, “The Eye of Providence: The symbol with a secret meaning?” (2020). Available at: https://bbc.in/3TD7v0p.
- The University of Arizona, “Evil Eye and Ophthalmology” (2022). Available at: https://bit.ly/3z4Hkq0.
- Devex, “Curses and cataracts: How religious and spiritual beliefs are a barrier to eye care” (2020). Available at: https://bit.ly/42BAbed.
- G Bohigian, “The Caduceus vs. Staff of Aesculapius - One Snake or Two?,” Mo Med, 116, 476 (2019). PMID: 31911724.
