CERATOTOMY Meaning and
Definition
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Ceratotomy is a medical term that refers to a surgical procedure involving incisions made on the cornea of the eye. The cornea is the clear, dome-shaped front surface of the eye that works together with the lens to focus light onto the retina, enabling vision. Ceratotomy is typically performed to correct certain refractive errors of the eye, such as myopia (nearsightedness) or astigmatism.
During a ceratotomy procedure, a skilled ophthalmologist or eye surgeon makes precise incisions in the cornea to reshape its curvature. This reshaping alters the way light enters the eye, improving its ability to focus on the retina and therefore enhancing visual acuity. By altering the shape of the cornea, ceratotomy can correct refractive errors and reduce or eliminate the need for corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.
Various techniques can be employed in ceratotomy procedures, including radial keratotomy (RK), astigmatic keratotomy (AK), and limbal relaxing incisions (LRI). RK consists of making incisions in a radial pattern around the cornea, whereas AK involves creating incisions perpendicular to the corneal surface to correct astigmatism. LRI entails making small incisions at the outer edge of the cornea to correct specific types of astigmatism.
Ceratotomy is considered a safe and effective surgical option for individuals seeking vision correction. However, as with any surgical procedure, there are potential risks and complications associated with it. It is essential to consult with an eye care professional to determine if ceratotomy is an appropriate treatment option.
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Incision into the cornea, keratotomy.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for CERATOTOMY
- xeratotomy
- veratotomy
- feratotomy
- deratotomy
- cwratotomy
- csratotomy
- cdratotomy
- crratotomy
- c4ratotomy
- c3ratotomy
- ceeatotomy
- cedatotomy
- cefatotomy
- cetatotomy
- ce5atotomy
- ce4atotomy
- cerztotomy
- cerstotomy
- cerwtotomy
- cerqtotomy
Etymology of CERATOTOMY
The word "ceratotomy" is derived from two Greek roots.
The first part, "cerato", comes from the Greek word "keras" (κέρας), which means "horn".
The second part, "tomy", is derived from the Greek word "tomē" (τομή), meaning "cut" or "incision".
Thus, "ceratotomy" literally means "cutting of the horn". The term is primarily used in the medical field to refer to a surgical procedure involving the cornea of the eye.
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