Our Summary

This research paper examines the work of Adriaan van den Spiegel, also known as Adrianus Spigelius, a Flemish doctor and anatomist from the 16th century. Spigelius taught Anatomy and Surgery at the University of Padua and made substantial contributions to our understanding of the human eye. His work went beyond what his predecessor, Andreas Vesalius, had done, and he didn’t just repeat Vesalius’ theories. Instead, Spigelius proposed that the eye has six muscles, five layers (or tunics), and three fluids (or humors). He also combined anatomy with the study of how the eye functions. The paper highlights that Spigelius corrected some of Vesalius’ mistakes and added his own original observations, which have largely been overlooked until now.

FAQs

  1. Who was Adriaan van den Spiegel, also known as Adrianus Spigelius?
  2. What were some of Spigelius’ key contributions to our understanding of the human eye?
  3. How did Spigelius’ work differ from that of his predecessor, Andreas Vesalius?

Doctor’s Tip

A helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about ocular surgery is to follow all pre-operative and post-operative instructions carefully to ensure the best possible outcome. This can include avoiding certain medications, wearing protective eyewear, and attending all follow-up appointments. It is also important to communicate any concerns or changes in vision to your doctor immediately.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended ocular surgery include those with conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, retinal detachment, macular degeneration, and corneal diseases. Ocular surgery may also be recommended for patients with refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia. Additionally, patients who have experienced trauma to the eye or have congenital eye abnormalities may also benefit from ocular surgery. It is important for patients to consult with an ophthalmologist to determine if they are suitable candidates for ocular surgery and to discuss the potential risks and benefits of the procedure.

Timeline

Before ocular surgery:

  1. Patient consults with an ophthalmologist to discuss the need for surgery and the potential risks and benefits.
  2. Pre-operative testing and evaluations are done to assess the patient’s overall health and the condition of the eye.
  3. The patient may undergo pre-operative preparations such as fasting or stopping certain medications.
  4. On the day of the surgery, the patient is briefed on the procedure and given instructions on post-operative care.

After ocular surgery:

  1. The patient is monitored closely in the recovery room for any immediate complications.
  2. The patient may experience discomfort, blurry vision, and sensitivity to light in the first few days following surgery.
  3. Follow-up appointments are scheduled to monitor the healing process and assess the effectiveness of the surgery.
  4. The patient may need to use eye drops or medications to prevent infection and promote healing.
  5. It may take several weeks for the patient to fully recover and for the vision to stabilize.
  6. The patient may need to make lifestyle changes or use corrective lenses to optimize their vision post-surgery.

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What specific type of ocular surgery do you recommend for my condition?
  2. What are the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery?
  3. What is the success rate of the surgery, and what are the expected outcomes?
  4. What is the recovery process like, and how long will it take for me to fully recover?
  5. Are there any alternative treatment options to consider before opting for surgery?
  6. What type of anesthesia will be used during the surgery, and what are the possible side effects?
  7. How experienced are you in performing this type of surgery, and what is your success rate?
  8. Will I need to follow any specific post-operative care instructions or attend follow-up appointments?
  9. Are there any lifestyle changes I should make before or after the surgery to improve the outcome?
  10. Can you provide me with any patient testimonials or references from previous patients who have undergone the same surgery?

Reference

Authors: Laios K, Mavrommatis E, Kostoulas G, Manes K, Lagiou E, Lytsikas-Sarlis P, Piagkou M. Journal: Acta Med Acad. 2019 Aug;48(2):250-254. doi: 10.5644/ama2006-124.264. PMID: 31718226