Bernhard Kayser

Bernhard Kayser
Born	1869
Died	1954
Nationality	German
Occupation	Ophthalmologist

Bernhard Kayser (1869–1954) was a prominent German ophthalmologist known for his contributions to the field of eye medicine. He is best remembered for his work on the Kayser-Fleischer ring, a diagnostic indicator of Wilson's disease.

Early Life and Education

Bernhard Kayser was born in 1869 in Germany. He pursued his medical education in Germany, where he developed a keen interest in ophthalmology, the branch of medicine that deals with the anatomy, physiology, and diseases of the eye.

Career

Kayser's career was marked by significant contributions to ophthalmology. He worked extensively on the study of the cornea and its diseases. His most notable contribution was the identification of the Kayser-Fleischer ring, a brownish or gray-green ring around the cornea, which is a key clinical sign in diagnosing Wilson's disease. This condition is a rare genetic disorder that causes excessive copper accumulation in the body, leading to neurological and hepatic symptoms.

Kayser-Fleischer Ring

The Kayser-Fleischer ring is named after Bernhard Kayser and his colleague Bruno Fleischer, who independently described the ring. It is caused by the deposition of copper in the corneal membrane and is often associated with neurological symptoms in patients with Wilson's disease. The presence of this ring is a crucial diagnostic tool for physicians and is often detected through slit-lamp examination.

Legacy

Bernhard Kayser's work has had a lasting impact on the field of ophthalmology and the diagnosis of Wilson's disease. His contributions have helped in the early detection and treatment of this condition, improving patient outcomes.

Also see

• Wilson's disease
• Ophthalmology
• Cornea
• Bruno Fleischer