Hydrolytic coloboms is a technical term in the medical field that refers to a congenital gap in the iris. The word colobom is pronounced kɒləbəm, with the first syllable pronounced with a short 'o' sound as in 'cot'. The term hydrolytic coloboms is pronounced haɪdrəlɪtɪk kɒləbəms, with the emphasis on the third syllable of the word hydrolytic. The term hydrolytic refers to a chemical reaction that involves breaking apart molecules with water. Coloboms can cause vision problems and can be treated with surgery in some cases.
Hydrolytic coloboms are a term used in medical and ophthalmological contexts to describe a specific type of coloboma that is associated with the hydrolysis or breakdown of tissues. A coloboma refers to a congenital defect that occurs during fetal development, resulting in a gap or notch in a structure or tissue of the body. In the case of hydrolytic coloboms, this defect specifically affects parts of the eye.
Hydrolytic coloboms typically manifest as a cleft or gap in the optic disc, which is the region where the optic nerve enters the back of the eye. This condition occurs when certain tissues in and around the optic disc undergo hydrolysis, a process involving the breakdown or decomposition of chemical compounds through the addition of water molecules. As a result, the affected area experiences structural weakness and a lack of proper tissue formation, leading to the formation of a coloboma.
The exact cause of hydrolytic coloboms is not fully understood, but they are believed to be related to genetic factors, as they often occur in individuals with a family history of colobomas or other eye abnormalities. In some cases, hydrolytic coloboms may also be associated with certain syndromes or chromosomal abnormalities.
The characteristic feature of hydrolytic coloboms is the notch or gap in the optic disc, which can lead to vision impairment. Treatment options for hydrolytic coloboms vary depending on the severity and impact on visual function, and may include corrective eyeglasses, contact lenses, or surgical interventions. Regular ophthalmic examinations are recommended for individuals with hydrolytic coloboms to monitor and manage any potential complications that may arise.
Congenital fissure of the lobule of the ear.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "hydrolytic coloboms" is not a widely recognized term or phrase, and it does not have a clearly established etymology. However, we can analyze the term based on its components:
1. Hydrolytic: The word "hydrolytic" is derived from the combining form "hydro-" which refers to water, and the suffix "-lytic" which means to break down or disintegrate. In general, "hydrolytic" describes a process that involves the breaking down of molecules by water.
2. Coloboms: Coloboms, or colobomas, are congenital eye abnormalities characterized by a gap or hole in one or more structures of the eye, such as the iris, retina, choroid, or optic nerve. The term "coloboma" comes from the Greek word "koloboma" which means a defect or mutilation.