The first explicit description of iridological principles such as homolaterality (without using the word iridology) are found in Chiromatica Medica, a famous work published in 1665 and reprinted in 1670 and 1691 by Philippus Meyeus (Philip Meyen von Coburg.
Iridology (also known as iridodiagnosis[1]) is an alternative medicine technique whose proponents believe that patterns, colors, and other characteristics of the iris can be examined to determine information about a patient's systemic health. Practitioners match their observations to iris charts which divide the iris into zones which they correspond to specific parts of the human body. Iridologists see the eyes as "windows" into the body's state of health.
Iridologists use the corresponding charts to highlight certain systems and organs in the body as healthy and others as overactive, inflamed, or distressed. Iridologists may use this information to demonstrate a patient's susceptibility towards certain illnesses, to reflect past medical problems, or to predict health problems which may be developing.
Iridology is not supposed to be used to diagnose. Instead it should be used as one of the methods to help assess the patient in order to come up with a more accurate diagnosis. As it is not a method of treatment, its practitioners often study other branches of alternative medicine, such as naturopathy.
According to iridologists:
Colors, and other characteristics of the iris can be examined to determine information about:
-Toxins and their locations
-Stages of Inflammation
I-nherent Weakness or Strength
-General Health level
-Biochemical Deficiencies