OPHTHALMOMYOSITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Ophthalmomyositis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the muscles and tissues surrounding the eye. It is considered a rare autoimmune disorder that primarily affects the eye muscles, although it may also involve other muscles in the body.
The condition is typically caused by the body's immune system mistakenly attacking its own tissues, leading to inflammation and damage. The specific cause of ophthalmomyositis is currently unknown, but it is believed to be related to genetic factors and abnormalities in the immune system.
Symptoms of ophthalmomyositis often include pain, redness, and swelling in and around the eyes. These symptoms can result in difficulty moving the eyes, double vision, and even vision loss. Some individuals with ophthalmomyositis may also experience general muscle weakness and fatigue.
Diagnosis of ophthalmomyositis typically involves a medical examination, analysis of symptoms, and various tests such as blood tests, imaging scans, and muscle biopsies. Treatment options for ophthalmomyositis mainly focus on reducing inflammation and managing symptoms. This may involve the use of corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications to control the immune response.
Prognosis for individuals with ophthalmomyositis varies, with some experiencing mild symptoms that can be effectively managed, while others may have more severe and chronic symptoms. Regular monitoring by healthcare professionals is necessary to manage the condition and mitigate potential complications associated with ophthalmomyositis.
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A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OPHTHALMOMYOSITIS
Etymology of OPHTHALMOMYOSITIS
The word "ophthalmomyositis" can be broken down into its root components for understanding its etymology:
1. Ophthalmo-: This prefix is derived from the Greek word "ophthalmo-" (ὀφθαλμός), which means "eye".
- This root is commonly used in medical terms related to the eye, such as ophthalmology (study of the eye) or ophthalmologist (eye doctor).
2. Myo-: This prefix comes from the Greek word "myo-" (μυός), which means "muscle".
- This root is often used in medical terms associated with muscles, such as myopathy (muscle disease) or myocardium (heart muscle).
3. -itis: This suffix, borrowed from the Latin language, denotes inflammation.
