The term "absolute hemianopsia" refers to a medical condition where an individual loses the ability to see in one half of their visual field. The spelling of the word is a combination of Latin and Greek roots, with "hemi" meaning half and "anopsia" meaning blindness. The pronunciation of the word is [æbsəluːt hɛmiəˈnɒpsiə], with emphasis placed on the second syllable of "hemi" and the first and third syllables of "anopsia." Accurate spelling of medical terminology is of utmost importance for effective communication in healthcare.
Absolute hemianopsia is a medical term that refers to a specific type of visual impairment, characterized by the complete loss of vision in either the left or right half of the visual field in both eyes. It is also commonly referred to as complete hemianopia.
The condition arises from damage or dysfunction in the visual pathways, specifically affecting the optic nerves, optic chiasm, or the occipital lobe of the brain. These pathways are responsible for transmitting visual information from the eyes to the brain for processing.
Individuals with absolute hemianopsia completely lose the ability to perceive visual stimuli on the affected side of their visual field. For example, if the impairment occurs on the right side, they will have no vision on the right half of their visual field in both eyes.
This condition can significantly impact one's ability to perceive their surroundings, affecting activities of daily living, mobility, and overall quality of life. Patients may often experience difficulties in tasks such as reading, navigation, or driving, as their visual field becomes restricted to only one side.
Absolute hemianopsia can result from various causes, including strokes, traumatic brain injuries, tumors, congenital abnormalities, or neurological disorders. It is essential to identify and treat the underlying cause to potentially alleviate or manage the visual impairment. In some cases, rehabilitation techniques such as compensatory strategies or visual aids may be employed to facilitate adaptation to the visual loss and improve daily functioning.
H. As regards color, light, and form.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "absolute hemianopsia" has its etymology rooted in two main components: "absolute" and "hemianopsia".
1. "Absolute" comes from the Latin word "absolutus", which means "free, unrestricted, or complete". In this context, it signifies a total or complete form of a condition.
2. "Hemianopsia" combines the Greek words "hemi" (meaning "half") and "opsia" (meaning "vision"). Hemianopsia refers to a visual impairment or loss of vision in one half of the visual field.
By combining these two components, "absolute hemianopsia" refers to a complete loss of vision in one half of the visual field.