How Do You Spell PHACOLYSIS?

Pronunciation: [fakˈɒləsˌɪs] (IPA)

Phacolysis is a medical term used to describe the natural breakdown of the crystalline lens within the eye. The word is spelled with a "ph" at the beginning, which indicates the sound "f". This phonetic spelling is denoted by the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA), which is used to represent the specific sounds of spoken language. The word "phacolysis" is pronounced /fækəˈlɪsɪs/ in IPA, with the stress on the second syllable. Understanding IPA phonetics can help people accurately pronounce and spell unfamiliar words in various fields, including medicine.

PHACOLYSIS Meaning and Definition

1. Phacolysis is a medical term used to describe the process of dissolving or liquefying the lens of the eye. This usually refers to the therapeutic procedure where the lens of the eye is broken down or fragmented using various techniques.

   Phacolysis is most commonly performed in cases of cataracts, which are opacities or clouding of the lens, causing impaired vision. During the procedure, the cloudy lens is dissolved or broken down into smaller pieces, allowing them to be removed from the eye using techniques such as phacoemulsification or laser-assisted phacolysis.

   Phacolysis can be performed as a standalone procedure or as part of cataract surgery. It is a minimally invasive technique that aims to remove the diseased lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens, restoring clear vision.

   The process of phacolysis involves the use of specialized instruments and equipment, including ultrasound devices or laser energy, to break down the lens material. This liquefied lens material is then aspirated or suctioned out of the eye, creating space for the insertion of the artificial lens.

   Phacolysis has revolutionized the field of ophthalmology, allowing for safer and more effective cataract removal procedures. It has significantly improved patient outcomes, with faster recovery times and reduced risks compared to traditional surgical approaches.

   Overall, phacolysis is a technique used in ophthalmology to dissolve or remove the lens of the eye, primarily for the treatment of cataracts, with the aim of restoring clear vision for the patient.

2. Operative breaking down and removal of the crystalline lens.

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

Common Misspellings for PHACOLYSIS

• phaolysis
• phaaolysis

Etymology of PHACOLYSIS

The word "phacolysis" is derived from the combination of two Greek roots: "phako" and "lysis".

1. "Phako" (φακός) refers to the lens of the eye. It specifically refers to the crystalline lens, which is the clear structure located behind the iris that helps focus light onto the retina.

2. "Lysis" (λύσις) means "a loosening" or "a dissolution" in Greek. It is a common suffix used in medical terminology to indicate the breakdown or destruction of a particular structure.

Therefore, "phacolysis" literally translates to the "loosening" or "dissolution" of the lens of the eye, typically referring to a medical procedure where the lens is intentionally broken down or dissolved to treat certain eye conditions.