Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c6.s2.t2.37

v1.c6.s2.t2.37

Ancient Indian medical men tried to diagnose the eye diseases on the basis of the lesion location, symptoms and pathogenesis. Functioning of the inner parts of the eye eg the optic nerve or the relation of the flow of aqueous humour to intra ocular pressure, all this was unknown at that time. Yet they recognised diseases like optic atrophy and glaucoma to be different from cataract. They could recognise this from their experience. Incurability of optic atrophy and also that of the final stages of glaucoma was known to them. Temporary relief of elevated ocular pressure was achieved by bloodletting, sometimes using leeches.