What is a cataract in ancient egypt?

In ancient Egypt, cataracts were believed to be caused by evil spirits or gods punishing individuals for their sins. The Egyptian word for cataract, "inn," also translates to "evil eye," further reinforcing the association with supernatural forces.

To treat cataracts, ancient Egyptians used various remedies and rituals, including applying honey, castor oil, or crocodile dung to the eyes. They also believed in the power of amulets and spells to ward off evil spirits causing the cataracts.

In some cases, surgery was performed to remove cataracts, although it was a risky procedure without modern medical advancements. One common method of cataract surgery in ancient Egypt involved using a sharp object to puncture the eye and dislodge the cataract.

Overall, cataracts were viewed as a serious and mysterious affliction in ancient Egypt, often requiring a combination of medical and magical treatments to cure.