In pre-Christian times there is evidence that people created small talismans or amulets, asking their gods for help.  In particular, idols with enlarged eyes were found in a Mesopotamian temple dating from 3000 BC.  Early Christians adopted this practice and its modern translation can be seen in the creation of ex-votos or Milagros.  These small offerings, usually made of metal, are created in order to ask saints for favors or to thank them for help. Milagros, meaning miracle in Spanish, are found all through Western Europe and even in the Americas thanks to Catholic conquistadores.  Although not a strictly Christian practice, ex-votos are most often found in churches and at home altars.

Milagros are one way for Catholics to communicate with a patron saint.  Other methods include wearing a medal or carrying a prayer that invokes the saint’s help.  The patron saint of vision is Santa Lucia or Saint Lucy.  St. Lucy was a virgin martyr, who died during a period of Roman persecution of Christians.  In 1563 the Church established that Santa Lucia would be represented with eyes or a lamp as her name is derived from the Latin word for light.  St. Lucy shares her feast day with St. Odile, the patron saint of those afflicted with eye disease.  Saint Odile lived as an Abbess in Alsace from 660-720 AD.  She was born blind and taken to a convent where her sight was miraculously restored during her baptism.  She and St. Lucy are often depicted holding a book or plate on which two eyes are lying, making it difficult to distinguish them.