MALIGNANT MYOPIA Meaning and
Definition
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Malignant myopia, also known as pathological myopia or degenerative myopia, is a severe form of nearsightedness, characterized by extreme elongation of the eyeball and significant visual impairment. It is a condition that goes beyond the normal refractive error that requires glasses or contact lenses, resulting in progressive and irreversible damage to the eye structures.
Individuals with malignant myopia typically have an excessively long eyeball, which causes light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. The elongated shape of the eye causes a range of complications that can significantly hinder vision. Common symptoms include blurry vision, difficulty perceiving objects at a distance, squinting, headaches, and eyestrain.
The condition is called "malignant" because it leads to potentially serious complications. As the elongated eyeball stretches and thins, it weakens the structural integrity of the eye, increasing the risk of various complications. These may include retinal detachment, macular degeneration, glaucoma, cataracts, and choroidal neovascularization. Malignant myopia is considered a progressive condition that worsens over time, with the severity of visual impairment increasing as the eye elongates further.
Treatment options for malignant myopia aim to manage the symptoms and prevent or delay the progression of complications. These may include corrective lenses, such as glasses or contact lenses, to improve visual acuity. In more severe cases, surgeries like scleral buckling, intraocular lens implants, or laser therapies may be recommended to address specific complications and stabilize or improve vision.
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Progressive myopia terminating in detachment of the retina and blindness.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MALIGNANT MYOPIA
- malignant myopma
- malignant myopha
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- malignant myopie
- malignant myopic
- malignantmyopiea
- malignauntmyopia
- m alignant myopia
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- malignant m yopia
- malignant my opia
- malignant myopi a
Etymology of MALIGNANT MYOPIA
The etymology of the word "malignant myopia" can be broken down as follows:
1. Malignant: The word "malignant" comes from the Latin term "malignus", which means "malicious" or "malevolent". It is derived from the Latin word "malus", meaning "bad" or "evil".
2. Myopia: The word "myopia" is derived from the Greek term "myops", which translates to "shut-eye" or "near-sighted". It is derived from the Greek words "myein" (to shut) and "opsis" (eye, sight).
When combined, "malignant myopia" refers to a severe form of nearsightedness or short-sightedness. The term implies that the condition has potentially harmful or dangerous consequences.
