OPHTHALMOTONOMETER Meaning and
Definition
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An ophthalmotonometer is a specialized instrument used in ophthalmology for the measurement of intraocular pressure (IOP), which refers to the fluid pressure within the eye. It is an essential parameter to evaluate the health of the eye and diagnose conditions such as glaucoma, a group of progressive eye diseases that can lead to irreversible vision loss if not detected and treated in a timely manner.
The ophthalmotonometer typically consists of a tonometer, designed to assess the IOP, integrated with an ophthalmoscope, which allows direct visualization of the eye's interior. This device utilizes a small, flat probe or a measuring tip attached to a sensitive spring mechanism that gently contacts the cornea, the transparent front part of the eye, to determine the pressure exerted on it by the aqueous humor, the fluid filling the anterior chamber of the eye.
In practice, the ophthalmotonometer measures IOP by quantifying the resistance force exerted by the cornea when it is pressed against the probe. This force is then converted into a consistently measurable reading on a calibrated scale, providing a reliable indication of the intraocular pressure. Ophthalmotonometers are often used in routine eye examinations, preoperative assessments, and follow-up visits to monitor changes in IOP over time.
Overall, the ophthalmotonometer is an indispensable tool in ophthalmology for the accurate assessment of intraocular pressure, aiding in the early detection, management, and prevention of eye conditions that could potentially lead to vision loss if left untreated.
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An instrument for determining the tension of the eyeball.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for OPHTHALMOTONOMETER
- iphthalmotonometer
- kphthalmotonometer
- lphthalmotonometer
- pphthalmotonometer
- 0phthalmotonometer
- 9phthalmotonometer
- oohthalmotonometer
- olhthalmotonometer
- o-hthalmotonometer
- o0hthalmotonometer
- opgthalmotonometer
- opbthalmotonometer
- opnthalmotonometer
- opjthalmotonometer
- oputhalmotonometer
- opythalmotonometer
- ophrhalmotonometer
- ophfhalmotonometer
- ophghalmotonometer
- ophyhalmotonometer
Etymology of OPHTHALMOTONOMETER
The word "ophthalmotonometer" is derived from Greek roots.
1. "Ophthalmos" (ὀφθαλμός) means "eye" in Greek.
2. "Tonos" (τόνος) means "tension" or "pressure".
3. "Metron" (μέτρον) means "measure" or "measurement".
When combined, the word "ophthalmotonometer" is a compound word in Greek that can be broken down as "ophthalmo-" (related to the eye) + "-tono-" (related to tension/pressure) + "-meter" (a measuring device).
Therefore, "ophthalmotonometer" is an instrument used to measure the tension or pressure within the eye.
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