ACCOMMODATIVE IRIDOPLEGIA Meaning and
Definition
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Accommodative iridoplegia is a medical condition characterized by abnormal and inadequate constriction or dilation of the iris in response to variations in light levels or during the process of focusing on close objects. This condition typically occurs due to dysfunction in the normal innervation and response of the iris muscles.
In a healthy individual, the iris muscles work to control the size of the pupil, adjusting it according to the amount of light entering the eye. Additionally, these muscles also help with the process of accommodation, which is the ability of the eye to focus on objects at varying distances. However, in cases of accommodative iridoplegia, the iris muscles fail to properly constrict or dilate, leading to difficulties in adjusting to changes in lighting conditions and difficulty in focusing on objects at different distances.
Symptoms of accommodative iridoplegia may include poor vision in varying light conditions, blurry vision while transitioning between different light levels, and difficulty in shifting focus from far to close objects. This condition can be congenital, meaning it is present at birth, or acquired later in life due to various factors including trauma, certain medications, or underlying medical conditions.
Treatment for accommodative iridoplegia primarily focuses on addressing the underlying cause. This may involve medication adjustments, surgical interventions, or the use of corrective lenses to aid with visual clarity. It is essential for individuals experiencing symptoms of accommodative iridoplegia to seek medical attention from an ophthalmologist or relevant healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and appropriate management.
Etymology of ACCOMMODATIVE IRIDOPLEGIA
The term "accommodative iridoplegia" is a medical term that combines multiple words to describe a specific condition. Here's a breakdown of the etymology of each component:
1. Accommodative: This term refers to accommodation, which is the ability of the eye to adjust its focus for near and distant objects. In optometry, accommodation refers specifically to the ability of the lens to change shape to focus on nearby objects. It originated from the Latin word "accommodare", meaning "to fit".
2. Iridoplegia: "Irido-" is derived from the Latin word "iris", which refers to the colored part of the eye that surrounds the pupil. "Plegia" comes from the Greek word "plēgē", meaning "stroke" or "paralysis". In medical terminology, "-plegia" is used to indicate paralysis or loss of function in a particular body part.
