PHOTOCOAGULATION Meaning and
Definition
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Photocoagulation is a medical procedure that involves the use of intense light energy to cauterize or seal off blood vessels in the body. This technique is commonly employed to treat various medical conditions, particularly those affecting the eyes.
In ophthalmology, photocoagulation is frequently used to manage the progression of diseases that impact the retina, such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration. By generating a focused beam of high-energy light, often from a laser, the procedure targets and destroys abnormal blood vessels or leaks that may be present in the retina. This annihilates the compromised vessels and prevents further leakage, reducing the risk of vision loss and other complications.
The photocoagulation process involves the absorption of the light energy by the targeted tissue, raising its temperature and causing coagulation or clotting of the blood vessels. This solidification prevents further leakage or bleeding, and promotes healing or regression of the underlying condition. Depending on the specific condition being treated, photocoagulation may only be performed on certain parts of the retina or extended to cover larger areas.
Photocoagulation is generally a minimally invasive and quick procedure that can be performed on an outpatient basis. However, local anesthesia or eye drops may be administered to minimize discomfort during the procedure. While some patients may experience temporary side effects such as blurring or sensitivity to light, these symptoms usually resolve quickly after the treatment.
In conclusion, photocoagulation is a medical technique that employs intense light energy to seal off abnormal blood vessels or leaks in the body, often in the context of ophthalmology to manage conditions affecting the retina, such as diabetic retinopathy and macular degeneration.
Common Misspellings for PHOTOCOAGULATION
- ohotocoagulation
- lhotocoagulation
- -hotocoagulation
- 0hotocoagulation
- pgotocoagulation
- pbotocoagulation
- pnotocoagulation
- pjotocoagulation
- puotocoagulation
- pyotocoagulation
- phitocoagulation
- phktocoagulation
- phltocoagulation
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- ph0tocoagulation
- ph9tocoagulation
- phorocoagulation
- phofocoagulation
- phogocoagulation
Etymology of PHOTOCOAGULATION
The word "photocoagulation" has its roots in Greek and Latin.
The term can be broken down into two parts: "photo" and "coagulation".
The prefix "photo" comes from the Greek word "phos" (φῶς), which means "light". It is often used in scientific terminology to refer to something related to light or utilizing light.
The second part, "coagulation", comes from the Latin word "coagulatio", which means "clotting" or "thickening".
Therefore, "photocoagulation" combines the Greek word for light and the Latin word for clotting, describing a medical procedure that uses light to coagulate or form blood clots or solidify tissues.
Similar spelling word for PHOTOCOAGULATION
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