Dan Medicinhist Arbog. 1994 ; (): 116-3l.

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Norn M.

The superstition of the Eskimoes exists even today also with regard to disease and treatment. The author has experienced this himself as ophthalmologist in Greenland. Snow blindness is a common complaint in Greenland and different types of primitive snowglasses to protect the eyes are described. Primitive eye operations were performed by the Eskimoes as long as 250 years ago. In 1721 Denmark commenced a colonization of Greenland when the missionary Hans Egede was sent there. The first physician arrived in Greenland in 1742 but was only there for 2 years. The next one was sent 18 years later. Since then innummerable physicians have worked for Greenland for shorter and longer periods. The observations of several doctors who have seen eye diseases among the Eskimoes are mentioned. During the past 70 years eye specialists have regularly visited the country and by screening and the following treatment helped many with eye lesions.