The first published use of the term, "Lisch nodule," was in the New England Journal of

Medicine "Medical Progress" series article of December 31, 1981 (Riccardi VM: Von
Recklinghausen Neurofibromatosis. N Engl J Med 1981;305:1617-27).

These nodules are found in neurofibromatosis type 1, and are present in greater than 94% of
patients over the age of six.[1] They are clear, yellow-brown,[3] oval to round, dome-shaped
papules that project from the surface of the iris. These nodules typically do not affect vision,
but are very useful in diagnosis.[1] They are detected by slit lamp examination.[3]
Immunohistochemistry stains positive against vimentin and S-100, and points to an
ectodermal origin.[2] Their precise origin and structure, however, is still under investigation.[3]
They are not found in neurofibromatosis type 2.