The Role of Muslims in the Formation and Development of Sciences (Part 16)
Ophthalmology and Eye Medicine
One of the fields in which Muslims played a prominent role and demonstrated significant initiatives and innovations to meet their own and other nations’ needs was ophthalmology and eye medicine. At the beginning of the history of this science, Muslims referred to it as “Kahala,” and the specialists in this field were called “Kahalin.”
To advance in this discipline and achieve better outcomes, Muslims translated Indian, Greek, and Roman texts and applied their findings in the realms of ophthalmology and medicine. Just as they achieved expertise in surgery and invented innovative techniques, they also made significant contributions in this field that none of the preceding civilizations had experienced.
For example, Muslims specialized in the treatment of glaucoma, a group of eye diseases characterized by optic nerve damage. Despite facing many challenges, they were able to successfully treat this condition. They also made significant advances in the management of cataracts, developing six treatment methods. One of these methods involved suction; for this purpose, they designed a thin glass tube that was inserted through the front of the eye to drain the cloudy lens. This surgical procedure was considered the most innovative method of treating cataracts at that time.
Books Written by Muslims in the Field of Ophthalmology
Muslims authored numerous texts in the field of eye disease treatment, one of the most famous beings “Ashar Maqalat Fil-e-Ayn” (Ten Essays on the Eye), written by Hunayn ibn Ishaq. This book is regarded as a pinnacle of Muslim ophthalmology.
As the title suggests, this work contains ten articles on the eye, providing detailed explanations of topics related to this organ:
1. Article One: Description and explanation of the structure of the eye based on Galen’s theories.
2. Article Two: Methods for protecting the eye and examining its benefits.
3. Article Three: Analysis of the optic nerve and the nature of vision, explaining the process of seeing based on the views of Hippocrates and Plato.
4. Article Four: A summary of Galen’s theories concerning the order of diseases, their causes, and symptoms.
5. Article Five: Examination of the causes of eye diseases, including the membranes and internal fluids of the eye.
6. Article Six: Description of eye diseases and a thorough evaluation of ailments such as eye allergies and pain.
7. Article Seven: The power and properties of eye-related medicines, compiled based on Galen’s views.
8. Article Eight: A list of eye-specific medicines and an explanation of each one’s benefits.
9. Article Nine: Solutions for treating eye diseases, presented in no specific order and explained sporadically.
10. Article Ten: Examination of the combined medicines prescribed for eye diseases and deficiencies.
Due to its scientific accuracy and innovations, this work occupies a prominent place in the history of Muslim ophthalmology and has been utilized as a reliable source.
Another significant work in this field is “Al-Muntakhab fi ‘Ala’at al-‘Ayn” written by Abu al-Qasim Ammar ibn Ali al-Musuli. Furthermore, the book “Tazkirat al-Kahalin” by the renowned Islamic physician Ali ibn Isa al-Kahal is also considered one of the foremost texts of this discipline.
The Book “Tazkirat al-Kahalin”
The book “Tazkirat al-Kahalin” comprises three important and fundamental articles:
1. First Article: On the definition and description of the eye, its types, moistures, nerves, and muscles. It also explains where each part’s growth and nourishment come from and what benefits each part provides.
2. Second Article: Discusses the apparent diseases of the eye, their causes, symptoms, and treatments.
3. Third Article: Examines the hidden diseases of the eye, their symptoms, treatment methods, and related medicines.
Another renowned book is “Nur al-Ayyun wa Jami’ al-Funun” by Salah al-Din ibn Yusuf al-Kahal. This book features various chapters on understanding the eye and vision, eye diseases, their causes, different eye conditions, protecting eye health, and treating diseases of the eyelids, corneas, irises, and more.
Also, the book “Al-Kafi fi Al-Kahal” by Khalifa bin Abi al-Mahasin Al-Halabi is another essential text in this field. This book is dedicated to understanding the eye, its diseases, and treatment methods, making it one of the useful reference works in ophthalmology.
The Most Famous Ophthalmologist in Islamic Civilization
Muslims had numerous physicians who specialized in ophthalmology and left lasting impacts. The most notable among them include:
1. Abu al-Qasim Ammar bin Ali al-Mousili: An 11th-century Muslim ophthalmologist born in Mosul, who practiced medicine in Cairo. He invented and refined the method of injections for treating cataracts. Abul Qasim authored several books on ophthalmology and died in Cairo in 1020 AD.
2. Ali ibn Isa Kahal: He was one of the most renowned ophthalmologists in the Islamic world, who worked in Baghdad. Orientalists regard him as the greatest ophthalmologist of the Middle Ages, and his works have been translated into Latin and Hebrew. His famous book is “Tazkirat al-Kahalin,” mentioned earlier. He passed away in 430 AH.
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