ABSOLUTE SCOTOMA Meaning and
Definition
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Absolute scotoma refers to a complete loss of vision or a complete area of blindness within the visual field. It is a term commonly used in ophthalmology and optometry to describe a specific type of visual impairment. Scotoma, in general, refers to a region or spot within the visual field where vision is absent or severely reduced. An absolute scotoma represents the most severe form of this condition, where there is a total absence of perception in a specific area.
Absolute scotomas can result from various underlying causes, including damage to the retina, optic nerve, or certain regions of the brain that process visual information. In some cases, they can be a symptom of retinal diseases like retinal detachment, macular degeneration, or diabetic retinopathy. Additionally, nerve-related conditions such as optic neuritis or glaucoma may also lead to the development of absolute scotomas.
Individuals with absolute scotomas experience a complete loss of vision in the affected area, which can significantly impact their overall visual functioning. This can make tasks like reading, driving, or recognizing faces challenging or impossible, depending on the location and size of the scotoma.
Treatment options for absolute scotomas depend on their underlying cause. In some cases, medical interventions or surgeries may be able to restore some degree of vision. However, for conditions where the scotoma is irreversible, rehabilitation techniques such as visual field training and the use of assistive devices may be employed to help individuals adapt to their visual impairment and optimize their remaining vision.
Etymology of ABSOLUTE SCOTOMA
The word "scotoma" originated from the Greek term "skotōma" (σκότωμα), which means "darkness" or "obscuration". It was used in ancient Greek medicine to refer to areas of blindness or loss of vision.
The term "absolute" in "absolute scotoma" denotes a complete or total lack of vision within a specific area. Therefore, the combination of "absolute" and "scotoma" implies a severe form of visual impairment characterized by a complete absence of vision in a particular part of the field of view.
