Bach’s illness and the changes in his handwriting

Some scholars mention possible glaucoma (an increased intraocular pressure).1 Such a combination of pathological conditions requires surgical intervention. Bach did endure eye surgery, and it was assumed that he died because ‘his whole system, which was otherwise thoroughly healthy, was completely overthrown by the operation and by the addition of harmful medicaments and other things.’2 It is also considered that one of the illness’s symptoms was the noticeable changes in his handwriting during the years 1748-49. The connection between his ophthalmological disease and the changes in his handwriting was accepted as obvious. However, there is a reason to challenge this opinion.