MYOPIC CRESCENT Meaning and
Definition
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A myopic crescent is a medical term describing a particular abnormality seen in cases of myopia, also known as nearsightedness. It refers to a characteristic crescent-shaped region lacking in pigmentation and tissue thickness at the temporal side of the optic disc, which appears whitish or pale.
The optic disc, also known as the optic nerve head, is the place where the optic nerve enters the eye and is responsible for transmitting visual information from the eye to the brain. In individuals with myopia, the eyeball is elongated, causing light rays to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it, resulting in blurry vision when looking at objects in the distance.
The myopic crescent is believed to be a consequence of the stretching and thinning of the outer layers of the eye, particularly the sclera, which is the whitish outer protective tissue surrounding the eye. As a result, the choroid, a layer of blood vessels and pigmented tissue under the retina, is visible through this region, giving it a distinct whitish appearance.
The presence of a myopic crescent is often discovered during an eye examination and is considered a normal finding in myopia, particularly in individuals with higher degrees of nearsightedness. Although it does not usually cause any specific symptoms or vision problems, its identification can aid eye care professionals in diagnosing and managing myopia, especially when assessing the progression of the condition.
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A white or grayish white crescentic patch in the fundus of the eye to the outer side of the optic disc, due to atrophy of the chorioid, in posterior staphyloma.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for MYOPIC CRESCENT
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Etymology of MYOPIC CRESCENT
The etymology of the word "myopic" comes from the Greek words "myōps" (μυωψ) meaning "short-sighted" and "myein" (μυεῖν) meaning "to shut", suggesting an inability to see distant objects clearly. "Crescent", on the other hand, is derived from the Latin word "crescere", meaning "to grow" or "to increase". When combined, the term "myopic crescent" refers to a visual phenomenon, often observed in myopia (nearsightedness), where an area of the optic disc in the eye appears crescent-shaped due to the incomplete coverage of the disc by the retina.
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