Schwalbe's line

Schwalbe's line is a circular anatomical feature that can be found in the eye. It is named after the German ophthalmologist, Friedrich Schwalbe, who first described it in the late 19th century. Schwalbe's line is located at the peripheral edge of the cornea, marking the boundary between the cornea and the sclera. It is also the point of termination for the Descemet's membrane, an important part of the cornea.

Anatomy

Schwalbe's line is a visible line seen in the anterior chamber of the eye. It is the peripheral termination of Descemet's membrane, which is the basement membrane that supports the corneal endothelium. The line is located at the junction between the cornea and the sclera, also known as the limbus.

Clinical significance

In certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma, the position of Schwalbe's line can change. This can lead to a narrowing of the angle between the cornea and the iris, which can increase the risk of acute angle-closure glaucoma.

In a condition known as Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome, Schwalbe's line is more anteriorly displaced. This syndrome is a rare genetic disorder that primarily affects the development of the eye, leading to abnormalities such as glaucoma and vision loss.

See also

• Eye anatomy
• Cornea
• Sclera
• Descemet's membrane
• Glaucoma
• Axenfeld-Rieger syndrome

References

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