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The forgotten story behind the first published retinal paintings
Jan E E Keunen1, C Richard Keeler2, Camiel J F Boon3
1Department of Ophthalmology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, the Netherlands.
Summary
The first retinal paintings were published in 1853, shortly after Helmholtz invented the ophthalmoscope. This rapid advancement in ophthalmoscopy allowed for detailed visualization of the retina.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Medical History
- Medical Illustration
Background:
- Hermann von Helmholtz invented the ophthalmoscope in 1850, but did not include illustrations in his 1851 publication.
- The first published retinal paintings appeared in 1853, created by physician Adrien Christophe van Trigt.
Purpose of the Study:
- To document the early development of retinal visualization techniques.
- To highlight the collaborative efforts leading to the first published retinal paintings.
Main Methods:
- The development of a table-model ophthalmoscope by Epkens, which freed the dominant hand.
- Recruitment of physician Adrien van Trigt by ophthalmologist Donders to create retinal paintings.
- Utilizing the improved ophthalmoscope for the creation of detailed retinal illustrations.
Main Results:
- A collaboration between Donders, Van Trigt, and Epkens led to the publication of retinal paintings.
- These paintings were published within 19 months of Helmholtz's monograph.
- This achievement was significant, occurring before the advent of retinal photography.
Conclusions:
- The invention of the ophthalmoscope paved the way for detailed retinal examination.
- The collaboration facilitated the creation and publication of the first retinal paintings.
- This marked a crucial step in the history of ophthalmology and medical illustration.
