Abstract

CONTRIBUTION OF UNANI MEDICINE IN MODERN OPHTHALMOLOGY-AN ASSET TO BE PROBED

Zehra Zaidi*, Hina Kauser, S.A.R. Zaidi, Minhaj Ahmad and Shehla Nazir

Abstract

Ophthalmology is a special branch of modern medicine dealing with the eye ailments has gained special attention in the present scenario of specialization of health services. Unani Medicine is one of the ancient systems of the medicine and ophthalmology was one of specialization field in Unani Medicine during its flourishing period and ophthalmologists were called Kahhal i.e. Ali Ibn Isa Kahhal, Salahuddin Ibn Yusuf Kahhal etc. The historical development of Unani medicine and ophthalmology reached its zenith in the 10th Century under the reign of Muslim rulers. In ophthalmology this point is marked by the two excellent books i.e. Tadhkirat-al-Kahhalin by Ali Ibn Isa of Baghdad and Al muntakhab fil ilaj amrad al ayn by Ammar Bin Ali Mosuli. Unani Medical scholars made many contributions in the field of ophthalmology ranging from its anatomy, physiology, various terminologies, medicinal treatment and surgical treatment of eye diseases including innovations in surgical instruments. These contributions provided base for the emergence of modern ophthalmology in 17th Century. An attempt has been made to have a view of the work done by Scholars of Unani Medicine in the field of ophthalmology through their literary contribution which is still preserved as manuscript today, to assess its impact on the modern ophthalmology. In the field of Unani Ophthalmology few research studies have been conducted so far in India on a classical formulation i.e. Kohal Chikni Dawa (KCD); two in-vitro studies have concluded that the local application of 3% KCD solution possesses anti-cataract effect in alloxan-induced hyperglycemic rats and naphthalene induced lens opacification. By taking up the evidence base research on Unani classical literature in ophthalmology, we can provide safe, economic, effective medicinal solution to the eye diseases i.e. Corneal opacity, Pterygium, Cataract, Glaucoma etc.; it will be a great contribution to the humanity.

Keywords: Unani Medicine, Kahhal, Ophthalmology, Kohal Chikni Dawa (KCD).