Carl Koller

views updated

Carl Koller

1857-1944

Austrian physician and ophthalmic surgeon who refined the use of cocaine as a local anesthetic, after Sigmund Freud suggested that possible use for the substance. Koller used cocaine in a drop form, applying drops to the eye prior to surgery. He received his medical degree from the University of Austria in 1882. Later, he served as an ophthalmic surgeon at Mt. Sinai hospital.

About this article

Carl Koller

Updated About encyclopedia.com content Print Article