IRIDOTOMY Meaning and
Definition
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Iridotomy is a medical procedure that involves creating a small hole in the iris, the colored part of the eye, to relieve intraocular pressure and treat certain eye conditions. This procedure is typically performed by an ophthalmologist, a specialist in eye diseases and surgery.
During an iridotomy, a laser or a tiny knife-like instrument is used to make a small incision in the iris, usually near the outer edge. The purpose of this procedure is to create an alternate pathway for the flow of fluid inside the eye, allowing it to drain properly and reducing intraocular pressure.
Iridotomy is commonly used to treat conditions like acute angle-closure glaucoma, where there is a sudden rise in pressure within the eye due to blocked drainage channels. By creating a small hole in the iris, the flow of fluid is redirected, relieving pressure and preventing further damage to the optic nerve. This procedure can also be used as a preventive measure in people with certain anatomical risk factors for angle-closure glaucoma.
Iridotomy is often performed using laser technology, known as laser iridotomy, which offers a minimally invasive and precise approach. The procedure is typically performed under local anesthesia, and patients generally experience minimal discomfort and a quick recovery. However, like any medical procedure, iridotomy does carry potential risks, such as bleeding, infection, or damage to surrounding eye structures, which should be discussed with the treating physician.
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Transverse division of some of the fibers of the iris, forming an artificial pupil.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for IRIDOTOMY
- uridotomy
- jridotomy
- kridotomy
- oridotomy
- 9ridotomy
- 8ridotomy
- ieidotomy
- ididotomy
- ifidotomy
- itidotomy
- i5idotomy
- i4idotomy
- irudotomy
- irjdotomy
- irkdotomy
- irodotomy
- ir9dotomy
- ir8dotomy
- irisotomy
Etymology of IRIDOTOMY
The word "iridotomy" derives from two main components: "iris" and "tomy".
The term "iris" comes from the Greek word "íris" (ἶρις), which means "rainbow". It refers to the colored, circular part of the eye that surrounds the pupil. The iris is named after the Greek goddess Iris, who, in Greek mythology, was known as the messenger of the gods and was associated with rainbows.
The suffix "-tomy" originates from the Greek word "tomḗ" (τομή), meaning "a cutting" or "to cut". It is commonly used in medical terminology to describe a surgical incision or cutting procedure.
Therefore, "iridotomy" can be understood as a compound term that combines "iris" (referring to the colored part of the eye) and "-tomy" (indicating a cutting procedure).
