Parenchymatous keratitis is a medical condition that affects the cornea, and its spelling can be tricky due to complex phonetics. The word "parenchymatous" is spelled with the primary stress on the third syllable, pronounced as pəˈrɛŋkəmətəs. Similarly, the word "keratitis" is pronounced kɛrəˈtaɪtɪs, with primary stress on the second syllable. Understanding the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) can aid in precise spelling and pronunciation of medical terms. This condition is treatable with antibiotics, steroids, and other medications to prevent vision loss.
Parenchymatous keratitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the corneal tissue, specifically the stroma or parenchyma of the cornea. The cornea is the transparent, dome-shaped tissue that covers the front part of the eye and allows light to enter the eye.
This type of keratitis occurs due to an infection or an immune response triggered by various factors, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or autoimmune diseases. It can also be a result of corneal injury or trauma. The inflammation leads to the infiltration of immune cells (such as white blood cells) into the corneal parenchyma, causing swelling, redness, pain, and in severe cases, impaired vision.
The symptoms of parenchymatous keratitis may include eye redness, light sensitivity, blurred vision, tearing, and a feeling of foreign body in the eye. The severity of symptoms depends on the underlying cause and the extent of cornea damage.
Treatment of parenchymatous keratitis typically involves addressing the underlying cause, such as prescribing antibiotic or antifungal medications to clear infections, administering anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce inflammation, and providing supportive care to alleviate discomfort. In severe cases, corneal transplantation may be necessary to restore vision.
It is crucial to seek prompt medical attention if any symptoms of parenchymatous keratitis are experienced, as delays in treatment can lead to complications and permanent damage to the cornea. Regular eye examinations and maintaining good eye hygiene are also essential for preventing the development and progression of this condition.
Interstitial k., a chronic inflammation, with cellular infiltration of the middle and posterior layers of the cornea.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "parenchymatous keratitis" combines two medical terms: "parenchymatous" and "keratitis".
The word "parenchymatous" comes from the Greek word "parenchyma", meaning "that which is poured in beside", or "anything poured in". In medicine, "parenchyma" refers to the functional tissue of an organ, as opposed to the supportive or connective tissue. Therefore, "parenchymatous" in the context of the eye means involving or affecting the functional tissue (stroma) of the cornea.
The word "keratitis" comes from the Greek word "kerato", meaning "cornea", and "itis", indicating inflammation. Therefore, "keratitis" refers to the inflammation of the cornea, the clear front part of the eye.