Friedrich Schlemm
Friedrich Schlemm (1795-1858) was a German anatomist and surgeon known for his discovery of the Schlemm's canal, a circular lymphatic channel in the eye that plays a crucial role in the drainage of aqueous humor, thereby maintaining intraocular pressure. His work has had a lasting impact on the field of ophthalmology, contributing significantly to our understanding of glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that can lead to vision loss.
Biography[edit | edit source]
Friedrich Schlemm was born in 1795 in Germany. He pursued his medical studies with a focus on anatomy and surgery, eventually becoming a prominent figure in the medical community of his time. Schlemm's dedication to research led him to explore various aspects of human anatomy, but it was his work on the eye that cemented his legacy.
Discovery of Schlemm's Canal[edit | edit source]
In the early 19th century, Schlemm identified a previously unknown channel surrounding the iris, which he described in detail. This channel, later named Schlemm's canal after him, is critical for the drainage of aqueous humor from the anterior chamber of the eye into the bloodstream. His discovery was pivotal in advancing the understanding of how fluid balance is maintained in the eye and the pathophysiology of glaucoma, a condition characterized by increased intraocular pressure.
Impact on Ophthalmology[edit | edit source]
Schlemm's work laid the groundwork for future research into the mechanisms of intraocular pressure regulation and glaucoma treatment. Today, the study of Schlemm's canal is integral to the development of therapies and surgical techniques aimed at managing glaucoma, one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide.
Legacy[edit | edit source]
Friedrich Schlemm's contributions to anatomy and ophthalmology are commemorated in the naming of Schlemm's canal, a testament to his significant impact on medical science. His work continues to influence the field of ophthalmology, with ongoing research into the structure and function of Schlemm's canal contributing to the development of new treatments for eye diseases.
See Also[edit | edit source]
Search WikiMD
Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD
WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia |
Let Food Be Thy Medicine Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates |
Translate this page: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
தமிழ்,
తెలుగు,
Urdu,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
বাংলা
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
Greek,
português do Brasil,
polski,
română,
русский,
Nederlands,
norsk,
svenska,
suomi,
Italian
Middle Eastern & African
عربى,
Turkish,
Persian,
Hebrew,
Afrikaans,
isiZulu,
Kiswahili,
Other
Bulgarian,
Hungarian,
Czech,
Swedish,
മലയാളം,
मराठी,
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ,
ગુજરાતી,
Portuguese,
Ukrainian
Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.
Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD