The treatment of pterygium

Abstract

We have read with great interest Hirst's review “The Treatment of Pterygium” (Surv Ophthalmol 48: 145–80, 2003). The author comprehensively reviewed all aspects of pterygium therapy. Also, many western, Arabic, and Chinese scientists were mentioned in the history of pterygium therapy in the article. In this section, various surgical techniques and medications from Celsus, Chinese, Greeks, Paullus, Zarrin-Dast, and Ali Ibn ′Isa were reported for therapy of pterygium therapy. However, we would like to notify the readers of a Turkish scientist who had experience with pterygium therapy. A great Turkish surgeon, Serefeddin Sabuncuoglu (ad 1385–1468), lived in the city of Amasya in central Anatolia during the early period of Ottoman Empire, and was one of the pioneers in the field of ophthalmology. He worked for 14 years in Amasya hospital as a chief, which only the masters would reach to such position. He wrote a book, Cerrahiyyetü′l-Haniyye [Imperial Surgery], 3. Uzel I. Cerrahiyyetü′l Haniyye I. Ankara. in: Türk Tarih Kurumu Yayınları. ed 1. Turkish Historical Society, 1992: 225-239 Google Scholar in 1465 at the age of 80. In his book, Sabuncuoglu described various surgical methods for pterygium therapy in detail. 2. Oguz H, San I, Verit A: Ophthalmologic techniques described in early Ottoman period by Serefeddin Sabuncuoglu [abstract]. 38th International Congress on the History of Medicine. Istanbul, Turkey, 2002. Google Scholar In the first method, pterygium was pulled with a hook, and a horse or cattle hair was passed under it for peeling to the apex of pterygium tissue in pupil side. Then, the pterygium tissue was excised using a scalpel or scissors, and thus, the operation was completed. This technique is quite similar that of Paulluss as mentioned in the article. As another treatment option, Sabuncuoglu described lifting the pterygium with a hook or passing a needle with a thread underneath it and then peeling the pterygium with a scalpel. Also, Sabuncuoglu's method had been previously described by Celsus and Greeks well. It must be emphasized that Sabuncuoglu already cited the Greek, Arabic, and Persian textbooks in Cerrahiyyetü′l-Haniyye. In the third method suggested by Sabuncuoglu, the pterygium gradually was shaved from the cornea with a scalpel. In addition to all these techniques, he warned the physicians not to excise plica semilunaris and not to perforate the cornea during pterygium removal. Sabuncuoglu had originally drawn colored miniatures indicating the operative procedures and instruments. These miniatures were the unique and the oldest examples of a surgical textbook in the Turkish–Islamic literature. 4. Uzel I. Dental chapters of Serefeddin Sabuncuoglu's (1385–1468?) illustrated surgical book Cerrahiyyetü′l Haniyye. J Hist Dent. 1997; 45: 107-112 PubMed Google Scholar Sabuncuoglu had an interest in other parts of the eye including eyelid disorders, ocular surface disorders other than pterygium, lacrimal system, hypopyon treatment, and cataract operation. Some of his techniques, such as eyelid surgery, have recently been published in the international literature. 1. Doǧan T. Bayramiçli M. Numanoǧlu A. Plastic surgical techniques in the fifteenth century by Serafeddin Sabuncuoglu. Plast Reconstr Surg. 1997; 99: 1775-1779 Crossref PubMed Scopus (23) Google Scholar