LAGOPHTHALMIC KERATITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Lagophthalmic Keratitis is a medical condition that refers to the inflammation and damage to the cornea, which is the transparent front part of the eye, caused by insufficient eyelid closure or incomplete blinking. The term "lagophthalmic" is derived from the Greek words "lagos," meaning "hare," and "ophthalmos," meaning "eye," which describes the similarity between this condition and the eyes of a hare that tend to bulge due to incomplete eyelid closure during sleep.
This condition occurs when the eyelids do not fully close, leaving a small gap between the upper and lower eyelids during sleep or in conditions where there is limited movement of the eyelids. As a result, the cornea remains exposed to the environment, leading to dryness, exposure to dust, and inadequate protection from potential trauma. Without proper lubrication and protection, the cornea becomes inflamed, leading to painful symptoms such as redness, irritation, blurred vision, and photophobia (sensitivity to light).
Lagophthalmic Keratitis often affects individuals suffering from certain neurological or muscular disorders, such as Bell's palsy, stroke, or facial paralysis, which compromise the normal functioning of the eyelids. Prompt intervention is essential to prevent further damage and complications. Treatment options include the use of eye drops, ointments, and moisturizing agents to alleviate dryness and inflammation, wearing protective goggles during sleep, or in severe cases, surgery to correct the underlying eyelid malposition and improve eyelid closure.
Regular eye examinations and appropriate management are necessary to prevent long-term complications, such as corneal ulcers, infections, and vision loss.
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Inflammation of the cornea from irritation caused by inability to close the eyelids.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for LAGOPHTHALMIC KERATITIS
- kagophthalmic keratitis
- pagophthalmic keratitis
- oagophthalmic keratitis
- lzgophthalmic keratitis
- lsgophthalmic keratitis
- lwgophthalmic keratitis
- lqgophthalmic keratitis
- lafophthalmic keratitis
- lavophthalmic keratitis
- labophthalmic keratitis
- lahophthalmic keratitis
- layophthalmic keratitis
- latophthalmic keratitis
- lagiphthalmic keratitis
- lagkphthalmic keratitis
- laglphthalmic keratitis
- lagpphthalmic keratitis
- lag0phthalmic keratitis
- lag9phthalmic keratitis
- lagoohthalmic keratitis
Etymology of LAGOPHTHALMIC KERATITIS
The word "lagophthalmic keratitis" has the following etymology:
1. Lagophthalmic: The term "lagophthalmic" is derived from the Greek words "lagos" meaning "hare" and "opthalmos" meaning "eye". It is a compound word where "lagos" refers to the hare's inability to close its eyes completely while sleeping, exposing the cornea partially or fully. This condition is observed in humans as well.
2. Keratitis: The term "keratitis" comes from the Greek word "keras" meaning "horn" or "cornea" and the suffix "-itis" indicating inflammation. Keratitis refers to the inflammation of the cornea, the clear front part of the eye.
