INTERSTITIAL KERATITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Interstitial keratitis is a medical condition that refers to the inflammation and scarring of the cornea, which is the clear, dome-shaped tissue at the front of the eye. This condition is characterized by the presence of haziness and opacities in the corneal tissue, leading to impaired vision. Interstitial keratitis is typically caused by an infection or underlying systemic condition.
The term "interstitial" indicates that the inflammation occurs within the corneal layers rather than on its surface. In most cases, interstitial keratitis is a result of an infectious condition, such as syphilis, tuberculosis, or Lyme disease. These infections cause an immune response in the body, leading to the inflammation of the cornea. In some instances, interstitial keratitis may also occur due to non-infectious factors, including autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Common symptoms of interstitial keratitis include eye pain, redness, light sensitivity (photophobia), and blurred vision. The condition can progress to permanent scarring of the cornea, which may lead to long-term vision loss if left untreated. Diagnosis of interstitial keratitis involves a comprehensive eye examination along with a detailed medical history to identify any underlying infections or diseases.
Treatment for interstitial keratitis primarily focuses on targeting the underlying cause. This may involve the use of medications, such as antibiotics or anti-inflammatory drugs, to address the infection or manage the underlying systemic condition. In severe cases, corneal transplantation may be considered to restore vision if significant scarring has occurred. Prompt treatment and regular follow-up care are essential to prevent permanent visual impairment associated with interstitial keratitis.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INTERSTITIAL KERATITIS
- unterstitial keratitis
- jnterstitial keratitis
- knterstitial keratitis
- onterstitial keratitis
- 9nterstitial keratitis
- 8nterstitial keratitis
- ibterstitial keratitis
- imterstitial keratitis
- ijterstitial keratitis
- ihterstitial keratitis
- inrerstitial keratitis
- inferstitial keratitis
- ingerstitial keratitis
- inyerstitial keratitis
- in6erstitial keratitis
- in5erstitial keratitis
- intwrstitial keratitis
- intsrstitial keratitis
- intdrstitial keratitis
- intrrstitial keratitis
Etymology of INTERSTITIAL KERATITIS
The word "interstitial keratitis" is derived from Greek and Latin roots.
The term "keratitis" comes from the Greek word "kerato", meaning cornea, and the suffix "-itis", which indicates inflammation. Therefore, "kerat-" refers to the cornea, and "-itis" indicates inflammation.
The word "interstitial" comes from the Latin "interstitium", which means "standing or placed between". In the medical context, it refers to the spaces or gaps between tissues. Thus, "interstitial keratitis" specifically refers to an inflammation of the cornea that involves the spaces or gaps between its layers.
