Lisch nodules

System: General & Eye–Ear Signs · All general & eye–ear signs

What it is — and how it is elicited

Small, dome-shaped, tan-coloured hamartomas visible on the surface of the iris, best seen with a slit lamp; they do not affect vision.

What a positive finding suggests

Associated with neurofibromatosis type 1, in which they are the commonest eye finding.

◈ Behind the name

Karl Lisch (1907–1999), Austrian ophthalmologist.

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Please note: This page is an educational reference about clinical examination signs. A clinical sign supports — and never replaces — a full clinical evaluation, examination and appropriate testing. A sign being present does not by itself prove a diagnosis, and an absent sign does not rule one out. If you have symptoms that worry you, see a health professional.