Vincenz Fukala (1847–1911): Versatile Surgeon and Early Historian of Ophthalmology

Vincenz Fukala is best known for his technique of discission and linear extraction of the lens in young, highly myopic eyes—the technique adopted by Harold Ridley in preparation for lens implantation in young patients. He was Polish and trained in Vienna under Karl Ferdinand. von Arlt. Fukala practiced first in Pilsen (1889–1894), but returned to Vienna in 1895. He studied trachoma in Egypt in 1872. His research on scrofulous eye disease led him twice to the United States, in 1891 and 1892. Fukala also developed highly successful, pioneering techniques for the treatment of ectropion in blepharitis, of trachoma, and of shallow sockets following enucleation. In glaucoma, he recommended early iridectomy of the fellow eye when the first eye has gone blind. He was also an expert on the history of ancient European texts and of Arabic ophthalmology.