Ophthalmology in Byzantium (10th - 15th centuries)

The study and analysis of the Byzantine texts after the 9th century, especially those of Theophanes and Ioannes Actuarius, reveals that the ophthalmology of this epoch follows in general lines the knowledge of the earlier ancient Greek and Byzantine physicians, adding, however, remarkable clarifications as to differential diagnosis and treatment. Nevertheless, there is some noteworthy information in the historical and hagiographical texts that indicate the high level of the practice of this specialty in Byzantine hospitals (xenones) in the middle and late periods.