INTRAOCULAR TENSION Meaning and
Definition
-
Intraocular tension, also referred to as intraocular pressure (IOP), is a term used in ophthalmology to describe the fluid pressure inside the eye. It is a critical physiological parameter that plays a fundamental role in maintaining the shape and normal functioning of the eyeball, specifically the eye's ability to focus light on the retina.
Intraocular tension is primarily determined by the balance between the production and drainage of the aqueous humor, which is a clear fluid that fills the front part of the eye. The fluid is continuously produced by the ciliary body to nourish the eye's tissues and maintain optimal pressure. Simultaneously, it is drained through the trabecular meshwork, a delicate network of tissue located near the base of the cornea.
Normal intraocular tension typically ranges between 10 and 21 millimeters of mercury (mmHg). Deviations from this range may indicate underlying ocular conditions, such as glaucoma, a group of eye disorders characterized by increased IOP that can lead to optic nerve damage and vision loss if left untreated. High intraocular tension can exert significant pressure on the optic nerve, while low intraocular tension may affect the structural integrity of the eyeball and interfere with its ability to maintain its shape.
Monitoring intraocular tension is essential for early detection, diagnosis, and management of various eye conditions. Ophthalmologists often use tonometry, a specialized test, to measure intraocular tension accurately. Treatments for abnormal intraocular tension may include medication, surgery, or other therapeutic interventions aimed at lowering or regulating the eye's pressure to prevent further damage or vision impairment.
-
The internal pressure of the humors of the eye.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for INTRAOCULAR TENSION
- inntraoculartension
- i ntraocular tension
- in traocular tension
- int raocular tension
- intr aocular tension
- intra ocular tension
- intrao cular tension
- intraoc ular tension
- intraocu lar tension
- intraocul ar tension
- intraocula r tension
- intraocular t ension
- intraocular te nsion
- intraocular ten sion
- intraocular tens ion
- intraocular tensi on
- intraocular tensio n
Etymology of INTRAOCULAR TENSION
The word intraocular tension consists of two main parts: intraocular and tension.
1. Intraocular: The term intraocular is derived from the Latin words intra meaning within or inside, and oculus meaning eye. It refers to something that occurs or is located within the eye.
2. Tension: The term tension comes from the Latin word tensio, which means tightness or strain. In medical terms, tension refers to the degree of stiffness or tightness of a muscle or tissue.
When combined, intraocular tension refers to the pressure within the eye, specifically the pressure exerted by the fluid (aqueous humor) inside the eyeball. It is commonly referred to as intraocular pressure.
