The large eyes of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. (On the occasion of the 250th Mozart anniversary year).
This article discusses the eyes of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756-1791) which, based on portraits, can be said to have a certain noticeable feature--some degree of exophthalmos. In fact, even contemporary observers made particular mention of Mozart's eyes being large. Although cicatricial ectropion, caused by infectious disease, cannot be excluded, mild myopia, in combination with shallow orbits or combined with a genetic predilection, would be one possible explanation for Mozart's large eyes. Graves' orbitopathy, the ophthalmic manifestation of hyperthyroidism, or hypothyroidism have both been suggested to be the cause of Mozart's large eyes. However, these diseases are unlikely causes given their topical and systemic features.
Zegers
Richard H C
RH
Department of Ophthalmology, Academic Medical Center, Meibergdreef 9, Amsterdam, 1100 AZ, The Netherlands. r.h.zegers@amc.uva.nl
Saeed
Peerooz
P
Wiersinga
Wilmar M
WM
D001317:Austria; D005094:Exophthalmos / Q000266:history*; D005197:Famous Persons; D049671:History, 18th Century; D006801:Humans; D009146:Music / Q000266:history*; D009216:Myopia / Q000266:history; D009885:Ophthalmology / Q000266:history; D010151:Paintings / Q000266:history