HYDROPHTHALMIA Meaning and
Definition
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Hydrophthalmia is a medical term referring to a rare congenital eye condition characterized by enlargement of the eyeball due to excessive accumulation of fluid within the eye structures. The condition, also known as buphthalmos or infantile glaucoma, typically affects infants or young children.
In hydrophthalmia, the increased pressure inside the eye leads to stretching and expansion of the eyeball itself, along with changes in the cornea, lens, and other eye tissues. This abnormal enlargement can cause various visual impairments and complications, such as blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light, and even blindness if left untreated.
The exact cause of hydrophthalmia is yet to be determined; however, it is believed to be primarily associated with impaired or abnormal drainage of the fluid called aqueous humor that circulates within the eye. This fluid is responsible for maintaining consistent pressure and nourishing various eye structures. When the drainage system is compromised, the fluid build-up occurs, leading to increased pressure and subsequent enlargement of the eyeball.
Diagnosis of hydrophthalmia is typically made through a comprehensive eye examination, including visual acuity tests, measurement of intraocular pressure, and evaluation of the eye structures. Treatment options commonly involve surgical interventions, such as trabeculotomy, goniotomy, or glaucoma filtration surgery, to alleviate fluid build-up and decrease intraocular pressure.
In summary, hydrophthalmia is a rare eye condition characterized by excessive accumulation of fluid inside the eye structures, resulting in an enlarged eyeball. Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial to mitigate vision impairment and associated complications.
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Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for HYDROPHTHALMIA
- gydrophthalmia
- bydrophthalmia
- nydrophthalmia
- jydrophthalmia
- uydrophthalmia
- yydrophthalmia
- htdrophthalmia
- hgdrophthalmia
- hhdrophthalmia
- hudrophthalmia
- h7drophthalmia
- h6drophthalmia
- hysrophthalmia
- hyxrophthalmia
- hycrophthalmia
- hyfrophthalmia
- hyrrophthalmia
- hyerophthalmia
- hydeophthalmia
- hyddophthalmia
Etymology of HYDROPHTHALMIA
The word "Hydrophthalmia" is derived from two Greek roots:
1) "Hydro" comes from the Greek word "hudōr" (ὕδωρ), meaning "water".
2) "Ophthalmia" is derived from the Greek word "ophthalmos" (ὀφθαλμός), meaning "eye".
When these two roots are combined, "hydrophthalmia" literally means "water eye" or "eye affected by water". This term is used in medicine to refer to a condition known as congenital glaucoma, which is characterized by an increase in intraocular pressure leading to damage of the optic nerve, vision loss, and enlargement of the eyeball.
