Scleriritomy is a medical term used to describe an operation in which an incision is made in the sclera of the eye. The word is spelled as /sklɛrɪrɪtəmi/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The first two syllables ("sclerir") are derived from the Greek word "sklēros," meaning hard, while "itomy" is derived from the Greek "tomē," meaning a cut. Thus, scleriritomy basically means a surgical procedure that involves cutting through the hard outer layer of the eye.
Scleriritomy is a medical term that refers to a surgical procedure involving the removal or cutting of the sclera, which is the tough, outermost layer of the eyeball. This procedure is typically performed on patients who have certain eye conditions or diseases that affect the sclera.
During a scleriritomy, an ophthalmologist makes a small incision on the sclera using a specialized surgical instrument. The purpose of this procedure is to treat or alleviate the symptoms associated with certain eye conditions, such as glaucoma or ocular hypertension.
Scleriritomy helps to reduce intraocular pressure, which is the pressure within the eye. By creating a small incision or removing a portion of the sclera, the surgeon allows excess fluid to drain out, thereby lowering the pressure inside the eye. This can help to prevent further damage to the optic nerve and preserve vision in patients with glaucoma or other conditions.
After the procedure, patients may require regular follow-up exams to monitor their intraocular pressure and assess the success of the scleriritomy. Some patients might also need to continue using medications or other treatments to manage their eye condition.
Overall, scleriritomy is a surgical intervention performed by ophthalmologists that involves the removal or cutting of a portion of the sclera, with the aim of reducing intraocular pressure and treating certain eye conditions like glaucoma.
The operation of incising the iris and the sclera.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.