RELATIVE SCOTOMA Meaning and
Definition
-
Relative scotoma is a term used in the field of ophthalmology to describe a specific type of visual impairment affecting a person's field of vision. It refers to a localized area of reduced or impaired vision within an individual's visual field, typically surrounded by an area of normal or relatively better vision.
The term "relative" indicates that the visual impairment is not absolute or total, but rather a relative reduction in visual function compared to the surrounding areas. In other words, the affected area still perceives some level of visual stimuli, albeit with decreased clarity or sensitivity.
Relative scotoma may arise due to various underlying conditions, such as glaucoma, optic nerve disorders, or retinal diseases. The impaired area within the visual field often appears as a dark or blank spot, where the affected individual may have difficulty perceiving objects or details.
The size, shape, and location of the relative scotoma can vary depending on the underlying cause. It can be temporary or permanent, stable or progressive. For instance, a relative scotoma associated with glaucoma is often characterized by a distinct arc-shaped area of reduced vision near the peripheral field.
Diagnosis of relative scotoma typically involves comprehensive eye examinations, visual field tests, and sometimes additional imaging studies to identify the underlying cause. Treatment options depend on the specific condition causing the relative scotoma and may involve medical intervention, surgical procedures, or the use of visual aids to optimize vision within the affected area.
-
One in which vision is impaired but not entirely destroyed.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for RELATIVE SCOTOMA
- eelative scotoma
- delative scotoma
- felative scotoma
- telative scotoma
- 5elative scotoma
- 4elative scotoma
- rwlative scotoma
- rslative scotoma
- rdlative scotoma
- rrlative scotoma
- r4lative scotoma
- r3lative scotoma
- rekative scotoma
- repative scotoma
- reoative scotoma
- relztive scotoma
- relstive scotoma
- relwtive scotoma
- relqtive scotoma
- relarive scotoma
Etymology of RELATIVE SCOTOMA
The word "scotoma" has its roots in the Greek language. It comes from the Greek word "skotoma", meaning darkness or dimness. In medical terminology, a scotoma refers to an area of diminished or lost vision in the visual field.
The term "relative scotoma" combines "scotoma" with the word "relative". In this context, "relative" refers to the fact that the scotoma is relative to the individual's perception of their visual field. Relative scotoma indicates a localized area of reduced vision or blind spot within a person's overall field of vision.
The etymology of "relative scotoma" can be traced back to the Latin word "relativus", meaning "having reference or relation".
