MUCOUS OPHTHALMIA Meaning and
Definition
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Mucous ophthalmia, also known as conjunctivitis or pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the transparent mucous membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and covers the white part of the eye. This condition is characterized by redness, swelling, itchiness, and discharge from the eyes.
Mucous ophthalmia can be caused by various factors such as viral or bacterial infections, allergies, irritants, or foreign objects entering the eye. It is a highly contagious condition that can easily spread from person to person through direct or indirect contact with the eye secretions of an infected individual.
Symptoms of mucous ophthalmia typically include excessive tearing, a gritty or burning sensation in the eyes, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, and the formation of crusts or sticky discharge that may cause the eyelids to stick together, especially after waking up. Although it can affect people of all ages, it is more prevalent in children due to their weaker immune systems and close proximity in school or daycare environments.
Treatment usually involves applying warm compresses to the affected eye(s) to reduce discomfort and remove any crusts. Medications such as antibiotic eye drops or ointments may be prescribed if the condition is caused by a bacterial infection. If it is caused by allergies, antihistamine eye drops may be recommended. It is important to avoid touching or rubbing the eyes to prevent further irritation and spreading the infection.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MUCOUS OPHTHALMIA
- mucous ophthalmii
- mucous ophthalmie
- mucous ophthalmic
- m ucous ophthalmia
- mu cous ophthalmia
- muc ous ophthalmia
- muco us ophthalmia
- mucou s ophthalmia
- mucous oph thalmia
- mucous opht halmia
- mucous ophth almia
- mucous ophtha lmia
- mucous ophthal mia
- mucous ophthalm ia
- mucous ophthalmi a
Etymology of MUCOUS OPHTHALMIA
The word "mucous ophthalmia" is a medical term used to describe a condition involving inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the clear tissue that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids. The term is derived from two components:
1. Mucous: The term "mucous" refers to mucus, a sticky fluid produced by the body's mucous membranes. It comes from the Latin word "mucus", meaning "slime" or "mucus".
2. Ophthalmia: The term "ophthalmia" comes from the Greek word "ophthalmos", meaning "eye". It is used to describe a general inflammation of the eye or its various parts.
Therefore, "mucous ophthalmia" refers to inflammation of the eye characterized by an excessive production of mucus.
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