GLAUCOMA FULMINANS Meaning and
Definition
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Glaucoma fulminans is a rare and severe form of glaucoma, a group of eye disorders characterized by elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) that can lead to optic nerve damage and irreversible vision loss if left untreated. Glaucoma fulminans is an extremely aggressive and acute variation of the condition, presenting sudden and severe symptoms.
In glaucoma fulminans, the IOP rapidly increases to dangerously high levels, causing intense eye pain, blurred vision, redness, and in some cases, complete loss of vision. It commonly affects both eyes simultaneously and often occurs in infants or young children. This condition typically results from the obstruction of aqueous humor drainage due to structural abnormalities or developmental issues in the eye, leading to a sudden buildup of fluid and subsequent pressure elevation.
Immediate medical intervention is essential to prevent further damage and preserve vision. Treatment for glaucoma fulminans usually involves a combination of medications, such as eye drops or oral medications, and surgical intervention. Surgical procedures may include the creation of an artificial drainage channel to improve fluid outflow, or the removal of affected eye tissues to alleviate pressure.
Despite intensive and timely treatment, glaucoma fulminans can cause permanent vision impairment or even complete blindness if the damage to the optic nerve is extensive. Regular follow-up appointments and ongoing management of IOP are often necessary to monitor the condition and prevent recurrence.
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A form in which the symptoms develop with great rapidity, blindness sometimes ensuing in less than a day.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for GLAUCOMA FULMINANS
- flaucoma fulminans
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Etymology of GLAUCOMA FULMINANS
The term "glaucoma fulminans" is a medical term that is derived from two separate origins.
1. "Glaucoma" originates from the Greek word "glaukōma", which means "opacity of the lens" or "gray-blue color". The term was first used by Galen, a Greek physician in the 2nd century AD, to describe several eye diseases causing vision loss or blindness. The term "glaucoma" specifically refers to a group of diseases characterized by increased intraocular pressure and damage to the optic nerve, resulting in visual impairment.
2. "Fulminans" comes from the Latin word "fulminare", which means "to strike with lightning" or "to explode". The term "fulminans" is used in medicine to describe a sudden and severe onset of a disease or condition, often associated with rapid progression and potentially life-threatening consequences.
