Scholars International Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine (SIJTCM)
Volume-8 | Issue-04 | 54-58
Original Research Article
Tashrīh 'Ain (Eye Anatomy) from Greek to Arab Period: A Comprehensive Review
Rukhsar Bano,Abdul Malik, Mohd Abu Bakar Quadri, Md Imran Khan, Nafasat Ali Ansari
Published : April 7, 2025
Abstract
This comprehensive study delves into the development of eye anatomy from the Greek to the Arab period, highlighting key figures such as Buqrāt (Hippocrates), Arastū (Aristotle), Herophilūs, and Jalinūs (Galen), whose pioneering contributions laid the foundation for the understanding of ocular structure and function. These scholars made significant strides in identifying the various components of the eye, including the cornea, retina, iris, and optic nerve, and proposed innovative treatments for ocular ailments. Their meticulous observations and detailed descriptions of eye anatomy in ancient medical texts underscore the early recognition of visual impairments and their clinical significance in early medical practices. The Arab period saw a flourishing of ophthalmological knowledge, with prominent figures such as Abū Bakr Moḥammad Ibn Zakriyā Al-Rāzī, 'Alī Ibn Sahl Raban Al-Ṭabarī, and Ḥunayn Ibn Ishāq Al-‘Ābādī making significant contributions to the field. These scholars authored seminal works that provided detailed insights into common eye anatomy and various ocular diseases, paving the way for advancements in ophthalmic knowledge and treatment methods. Their comprehensive texts not only enriched the understanding of eye disorders but also contributed to the development of systematic textbooks on ophthalmology, furthering the dissemination of medical knowledge in the Arab world. The legacy of scholars such as Ibn Sīnā, 'Alī Ibn 'Isā Al-Kaḥḥāl, Ibn Al-Haytham, and Ibn Rūshd continued to shape the field of ophthalmology, with their ground-breaking research on vision, eye anatomy, and disease treatment setting the stage for modern practices. Their innovative approaches to studying the eye, introducing technical terminology, and proposing novel theories on ocular function have had a lasting impact on the field. Through their collective efforts, these scholars have enriched the understanding the Ocular anatomy and its applied aspect, paving the way for advancements in ophthalmic research and clinical practice.