Ali ibn
Isa al-Kahhal was one of the most influential and celebrated medieval Arab
ophthalmologists. He is famous as “The Oculist”, denoting his name (Al-kahhal).
He was also known as Jesu Oculist (Isa= Jesus; Kahhal= Oculist), the Latin
translation of his name.
Belonging
to Baghdad, Iraq, he was born in the year 940 AD, and passed away in 1010.
His most
significant contribution to ophthalmology is the highly acclaimed book “Tadhkirat
al-kahhalin”. It is translated to English under the title “Memorandum of
the Oculists”. It is regarded as the most comprehensive book of Arabian ophthalmology
to survive the medieval ages. During its time it was the standard reference
book of ophthalmology.
The book
is apparently based on the writings of Hunayn ibn Ishaq, Galen, and other
authors. The book contains details and illustrations of the anatomy of the eye.
It is a comprehensive treatise describing almost 130 diseases and treatments related to
ophthalmological conditions.
Ibn Isa
is credited with the first description of the anatomy of the optic chiasm and brain, symptoms of Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada
syndrome, and also the first to record a case of temporal arteritis.
He
described many surgical techniques in his book. His treatment for epiphora was based
on the stage of the disease. In the early stages, he suggested the use of
astringent materials like ammonia salt, burned copper, or lid paste. While, in
the chronic stages he described a hook dissection with a feathered quill.
At the end of his book, he listed 143 medications and their effects on the eye in alphabetical order. Ali had a great sense of humanity, and during cataract operations, he said, “When the cataract needle has entered the interior of the eyeball, then address the patient with kind words to quiet the fears.
Ali ibn
Isa al-Kahhal shall be remembered for setting a broad foundation of
ophthalmology for future generations.
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