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The history of the evil eye and its influence on ophthalmology, medicine and social customs

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Abstract

Belief in the evil eye is one of the oldest and most widespread superstitions in the world. The concept of the evil eye has influenced present day ophthalmology, medicine, and social customs. Oculus sinister (OS), the serpent and the staff of Asclepius, the symbol of RX, and many social customs are historically related to the evil eye.

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Bohigian, G.H. The history of the evil eye and its influence on ophthalmology, medicine and social customs. Doc Ophthalmol 94, 91–100 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02629683

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