The Ancient Art and Intimate Craft of Artificial Eyes
15 days ago
- #medical-history
- #ocularistry
- #artificial-eyes
- The oldest known artificial eye, dating back 4,000 years, was found in Iran, made of natural materials with intricate details.
- Ancient Egyptians used wax, plaster, and precious stones to create artificial eyes for mummies, but techniques for the living were less sophisticated.
- 16th-century French military surgeon Ambroise Paré described early metal prosthetics for eyes, though they were uncomfortable and unrealistic.
- Venetian glassmakers introduced glass eyes in the 16th century, which remained the standard for over a century despite their fragility.
- Modern ocularists use acrylic to create prosthetic eyes, focusing on realism and comfort rather than restoring vision.
- Ocularists are rare, with fewer than 200 certified professionals in the U.S., often passing the craft through generations.
- Prosthetic eyes today aim to create illusion and improve appearance, not restore vision, though future advancements may change this.
- The process of getting a prosthetic eye involves intimate, personalized care, blending technical skill with empathy and psychology.
- Artificial eyes help heal trauma by restoring facial symmetry and identity, despite the challenges of replicating natural expressiveness.