A Medical and Socio-Economic History of Eye Diseases (Trachoma and Glaucoma) and Blindness in Addis Ababa (1941-2013)
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Date
2015-04
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
Trachoma and glaucoma are the oldest eye diseases and consequently blinding
scourges that man has known since ancient times. The medical history of eye
diseases in general and trachoma and glaucoma in particular is very much
lagging and even ignored in Ethiopia. Data pertaining to the incidence,
prevalence and situation of eye diseases in general and trachoma and glaucoma
in particular in Ethiopia are fragmentary, incomplete and not sequential. Mos t
researches on eye diseases in Ethiopia have been conducted by medical doctors
and medical practitioners who have little or no interest in reconstructing medical
history.
Most of the researches done so far have focused on the prevalence of eye
diseases in rural areas, especially trachoma. However, trachoma was prevalent
in Addis Ababa in the past and still is prevalent. Glaucoma is also prevalent in
rural and urban areas and it was and still is a major health problem but is a
neglected area of study. This historical study attempts to fill this gap based on
the available sources.
Modem medical practice in the 20th century expanded under emperor Menelik II
and his activity was continued by Emperor Haile Selassie I. The Menelilc II
Hospital and Haile Selassie I Hospitals are my focus of study in which eye
treatment service was given.
In the past Ethiopians used to rely on traditional medicine and medical
practitioners for all kind of diseases using traditional materials. This study
discusses some traditional healing mechanisms to treat eye diseases in general.
In addition to these traditional treatments in recent time Ethiopians have been
utilizing modem medical treatment for eye diseases and the thesis attempts to
reconstruct the progress of modem eye treatment and some problems related to
medical treatment of eye diseases. Finally, the thesis looks at the social and
economic problems of the blind and the institutional and medical response to
these problems, with attempts at empowerment of sufferers from blindness.
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Medical and Socio-Economic History of Eye