Kayser-Fleischer ring

Kayser-Fleischer rings are named after him.

As Kayser-Fleischer rings do not cause any symptoms, it is common for them to be identified during investigations for other medical conditions.

Wilson's disease (Kayser-Fleischer ring)

Kayser-Fleischer rings (KF rings) are dark rings that appear to encircle the iris of the eye.

Kayser-Fleischer rings are caused by copper deposits, and are indicative of Wilson's disease, whereas Fleischer rings are caused by iron deposits.

Kayser-Fleischer rings, a rusty brown discoloration at the outer rims of the iris due to copper deposition noted in 90% of patients, become evident as copper begins to accumulate and affect the nervous system.

Eyes: Kayser-Fleischer rings (KF rings), a pathognomonic sign, may be visible in the cornea of the eyes, either directly or on slit lamp examination as deposits of copper in a ring around the cornea.

Kayser-Fleischer rings are a sign of Wilson's disease, which involves abnormal copper handling by the liver resulting in copper accumulation in the body and is characterised by abnormalities of the basal ganglia of the brain, liver cirrhosis, splenomegaly, involuntary movements, muscle rigidity, psychiatric disturbances, dystonia and dysphagia.