KERATOMALACIA Meaning and
Definition
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Keratomalacia is a medical term that refers to a progressive eye disorder characterized by the softening and degeneration of the cornea, the clear outer layer of the eye. The cornea plays a vital role in focusing incoming light onto the retina, which allows for visual perception.
The condition mainly occurs due to severe vitamin A deficiency, which is an essential nutrient required for maintaining the health of the cornea and overall vision. Vitamin A deficiency often results from malnutrition, particularly in developing countries where there is limited access to a varied and nutritious diet.
In keratomalacia, the cornea becomes dry, cloudy, and vulnerable to infection. As the disease progresses, the cornea may develop ulcerations and erosions, leading to vision impairment and, in extreme cases, irreversible blindness. Night blindness is often one of the early signs observed in individuals with vitamin A deficiency.
Immediate treatment for keratomalacia typically involves administering vitamin A supplements to restore adequate levels in the body. Meanwhile, supportive measures such as eye lubrication, protection, and antibiotics may be implemented to prevent further damage and facilitate corneal healing.
Prevention is crucial in managing keratomalacia. Public health initiatives that focus on improving nutrition, particularly ensuring an adequate intake of vitamin A through a balanced diet or fortified foods, can significantly reduce the occurrence of this debilitating condition.
Common Misspellings for KERATOMALACIA
- jeratomalacia
- meratomalacia
- leratomalacia
- oeratomalacia
- ieratomalacia
- kwratomalacia
- ksratomalacia
- kdratomalacia
- krratomalacia
- k4ratomalacia
- k3ratomalacia
- keeatomalacia
- kedatomalacia
- kefatomalacia
- ketatomalacia
- ke5atomalacia
- ke4atomalacia
- kerztomalacia
- kerstomalacia
Etymology of KERATOMALACIA
The word "keratomalacia" is derived from two Greek roots: "kerato" and "malacia".
1. "Kerato" (κερατο) refers to the cornea, which is the clear, front part of the eye that covers the iris and pupil. It comes from the Greek word "keras" (κερας), meaning "horn", as the cornea's structure is similar to a transparent horn.
2. "Malacia" (μαλακία) means "softness" in Greek. It is derived from the Greek word "malakos" (μαλακός), which also means "soft".
The combination of these two roots, "kerato" and "malacia", is used to describe a softening and degeneration of the cornea, which is the characteristic condition of keratomalacia.
Similar spelling word for KERATOMALACIA
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