Szemtárgyak

Szemtárgyak is a Hungarian term that translates to "eye objects" or "ocular artifacts." It broadly refers to any man-made items that are placed in, on, or around the eye for various purposes. These can range from decorative and cosmetic to functional and medical.

Historically, eye objects have served a wide array of functions. In ancient cultures, kohl, a dark powder made from ground minerals, was used as eyeliner to enhance the eyes, protect them from the sun's glare, and ward off evil spirits. This practice continues in some parts of the world today. Other early examples include decorative eye inlays used on statues and religious effigies, intended to give a more lifelike or divine appearance.

In modern times, szemtárgyak primarily encompass contact lenses, which are used for vision correction or cosmetic enhancement. These lenses, made from soft or rigid materials, sit directly on the cornea. Prosthetic eyes, also known as ocular prostheses, are artificial eyes made of acrylic or glass that are fitted into the eye socket after the natural eye has been removed. They are designed to improve appearance and maintain the normal shape of the eyelids.

Beyond these common examples, the term can also extend to specialized medical devices like intraocular lenses (IOLs) implanted during cataract surgery, or even advanced research prototypes for bionic eyes. The common thread among all szemtárgyak is their direct interaction with or representation of the eye.