Glaucomatous halo is a circle of light surrounding the optic disc in the eye, indicative of glaucoma. The spelling of this word is explained through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The word begins with a voiceless velar plosive /ɡ/, followed by a voiced alveolar lateral approximant /l/. The third syllable contains a mid-central vowel /ɔ/, followed by a voiceless palatal stop /k/. The final syllable contains a voiced alveolar approximant /ɹ/ and an unstressed vowel /əs/.
A glaucomatous halo refers to a visual phenomenon occurring in individuals affected by glaucoma, a progressive eye disease characterized by damage to the optic nerve. It is important to note that an optic nerve that has been damaged due to glaucoma does not function properly, leading to areas of vision loss or blindness.
The glaucomatous halo is observed as a specific type of visual disturbance surrounding objects or in the peripheral vision of affected individuals. It is typically described as a ring or arc of shimmering or flickering lights that appear to encircle objects, creating a halo-like effect. This phenomenon is often caused by the disruption of retinal cells due to increased intraocular pressure, a common symptom of glaucoma. The distorted function of the retinal cells leads to abnormal transmission of visual signals to the brain, causing the perception of the glaucomatous halo.
The glaucomatous halo typically manifests as a result of optic nerve damage and can vary in intensity and frequency from person to person. It may occur intermittently or persistently, and its presence may also depend on the stage and severity of glaucoma. While not every individual with glaucoma experiences a glaucomatous halo, it is considered a common visual manifestation associated with this condition.
Overall, the glaucomatous halo serves as a visual warning sign of optic nerve damage and suggests the need for prompt diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma to prevent further progression of visual impairment.
Glaucomatous ring.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "glaucomatous" is derived from the word "glaucoma", which is a disease that affects the optic nerve and can lead to vision loss or blindness. It comes from the Greek words "glaukōma", meaning "opacity of the crystalline lens" and "glaukos", meaning "gray-blue" or "gleaming".
The word "halo" originates from the Greek word "halōs", which means "disk of the sun or moon". In medical terminology, a "halo" refers to a bright, luminous circle that surrounds an object, often seen as a visual phenomenon.
Therefore, when combined, "glaucomatous halo" refers to a circular or ring-shaped area of altered appearance or brightness that can occur in the field of vision due to glaucoma.