AQUEOUS SHUNT Meaning and
Definition
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An aqueous shunt refers to a medical device designed to treat glaucoma, a condition characterized by elevated pressure inside the eye, which can lead to vision loss. Specifically, an aqueous shunt is used in cases where other conservative treatments, such as eye drops or laser therapy, have failed to control the intraocular pressure effectively.
The aqueous shunt consists of a small tube made of biocompatible materials, such as silicone or polypropylene, that is surgically implanted in the eye. One end of the tube is placed inside the anterior chamber of the eye, where the aqueous humor fluid is produced. The other end is positioned beneath the conjunctiva, the thin tissue covering the white part of the eye.
The purpose of the aqueous shunt is to facilitate the drainage of excess aqueous humor from the eye, thereby reducing intraocular pressure. The shunt creates an alternate pathway for the fluid to drain out of the eye, bypassing the blocked or compromised natural drainage system. This drainage process helps to maintain the eye's intraocular pressure within the appropriate range for optimal ocular health.
Aqueous shunts are typically used in cases of severe glaucoma or when other treatments have proved ineffective. The device requires a surgical procedure to implant and may involve the use of additional materials, such as valves or plates, to regulate the flow of aqueous humor. Regular follow-up visits and monitoring are necessary to ensure the shunt's continued functionality and effectiveness.
In summary, an aqueous shunt is a medical device used to treat glaucoma by facilitating the drainage of excess aqueous humor from the eye, helping to control intraocular pressure and preserve vision.
Common Misspellings for AQUEOUS SHUNT
- zqueous shunt
- squeous shunt
- wqueous shunt
- qqueous shunt
- a1ueous shunt
- a2ueous shunt
- awueous shunt
- aaueous shunt
- aqyeous shunt
- aqheous shunt
- aqjeous shunt
- aqieous shunt
- aq8eous shunt
- aq7eous shunt
- aquwous shunt
- aqusous shunt
- aqudous shunt
- aqurous shunt
- aqu4ous shunt
- aqu3ous shunt
Etymology of AQUEOUS SHUNT
The term "aqueous shunt" has its etymology rooted in Latin and English.
The word "aqueous" comes from the Latin word "aqua", meaning "water". It is often used to refer to substances or solutions that are water-based. In the context of medicine, "aqueous" specifically relates to the watery substance found in the anterior chamber of the eye.
The word "shunt" originates from the Old English word "sc(e)untan", meaning "to shy away" or "to move aside". In medical terminology, a "shunt" is a device or passage that diverts or redirects something, such as fluid or blood, from its normal flow or location within the body.
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