Prosthetic Eyeballs

Prosthetic Eyeballs. Ca. 1860.

From 1850 to 1870, ophthalmology experienced enormous developments in knowledge and treatment methods, such as the discovery of the eye’s optics and treatments for cataracts and glaucoma. At the time of the American Civil War, advances were also being made in cosmetic medicine, including treatment for the eye.  Although ocular prosthetics were not widely available due to limited supplies and the primitive state of the necessary eye surgeries, a small subset of soldiers did benefit from prosthetics like those shown here.

Link: History of Artificial Eyes

Link: Article Eye Injuries and Prosthetic Restoration in the American Civil War Years