How Do You Spell OPHTHALMOLITH?

Pronunciation: [ˈɒfθɐlmˌɒlɪθ] (IPA)

Ophthalmolith is a medical term used to describe small deposits that form in the tear ducts. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /ɑfˈθælmoʊlɪθ/, which helps explain its unique spelling. The "opht" combines the "o" and "ph" sounds, while "thalm" uses the "th" sound as in "thin." The last syllable, "-olith," is pronounced as "o-lith" with the "o" rhyming with "go". Despite its complexity, understanding the IPA transcription can help with the pronunciation of the word in the medical field.

Meaning and Definition
Common Misspellings
Etymology
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OPHTHALMOLITH Meaning and Definition

  1. An ophthalmolith is a term used in medical literature to describe a concretion or stone that develops within the eye. Specifically, it refers to the formation of a calcified or mineralized deposit within the lacrimal system, which includes the tear ducts and glands that produce tears. These stones can vary in size and composition, ranging from tiny particles to larger, solid masses.

    Ophthalmoliths can occur as a result of various factors, including the presence of lacrimal gland duct obstruction, chronic inflammation, infection, or trauma to the lacrimal system. When these stones form, they can cause blockages in the tear ducts, resulting in symptoms such as excessive tearing, pain, redness, and blurry vision.

    The treatment for ophthalmoliths typically involves removal through a minimally invasive procedure known as dacryocystorhinostomy. This procedure allows for the visualization and removal of the stone, facilitating the restoration of normal tear flow.

    While ophthalmoliths are relatively rare, they can significantly impact an individual's ocular health and overall quality of life. In cases where ophthalmoliths are left untreated, they can lead to recurrent eye infections, chronic inflammation, and potential damage to the lacrimal system. Therefore, early detection and appropriate management are crucial in maintaining optimal eye health and preventing potential complications associated with ophthalmoliths.

  2. A lacrymal calculus.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

Common Misspellings for OPHTHALMOLITH

  • iphthalmolith
  • kphthalmolith
  • lphthalmolith
  • pphthalmolith
  • 0phthalmolith
  • 9phthalmolith
  • oohthalmolith
  • olhthalmolith
  • o-hthalmolith
  • o0hthalmolith
  • opgthalmolith
  • opbthalmolith
  • opnthalmolith
  • opjthalmolith
  • oputhalmolith
  • opythalmolith
  • ophrhalmolith
  • ophfhalmolith
  • ophghalmolith
  • ophyhalmolith

Etymology of OPHTHALMOLITH

The word "ophthalmolith" is a combination of two Greek roots: "ophthalmos" meaning "eye" and "lithos" meaning "stone". The term is derived from the belief in ancient times that certain eye diseases were caused by the presence of stones or hard objects within the eye. Consequently, "ophthalmolith" refers to a hypothetical or imagined condition characterized by the formation of calculi (stones) within the eye.