SCLEROPHTHALMIA Meaning and
Definition
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Sclerophthalmia is a term used in the field of ophthalmology to describe a rare congenital eye condition characterized by abnormal hardening or thickening of the tissues surrounding the eye. Derived from the Greek words "sclero," meaning hard or thick, and "ophthalmos," meaning eye, sclerophthalmia refers to the thickened and toughened appearance of the eye structures affected.
This condition primarily affects the conjunctiva, sclera, and cornea, which are the outermost layers of the eye. The excessive hardening of these tissues can result in significant visual impairment and discomfort for individuals with sclerophthalmia.
Symptoms of sclerophthalmia may include dry, red, and itchy eyes, eye irritation and watering, and decreased visual acuity. The condition is usually present at birth or may become evident during infancy. Sclerophthalmia is often associated with other genetic disorders, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
Due to the rarity of sclerophthalmia, treatment options are limited and largely focused on managing symptoms. This may include the use of lubricating eye drops, ointments, or artificial tears to alleviate dryness and discomfort. In severe cases, surgical intervention or corneal transplantation may be considered to improve visual function.
Overall, sclerophthalmia refers to a condition in which the eye tissues, particularly the conjunctiva, sclera, and cornea, become abnormally hardened or thickened, leading to visual impairment and discomfort.
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A congenital condition in which the opacity of the sclera has advanced over the edge of the cornea so that only a small central area of the latter remains transparent; it may be unilateral, one-half of the cornea being normal.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SCLEROPHTHALMIA
- aclerophthalmia
- zclerophthalmia
- xclerophthalmia
- dclerophthalmia
- eclerophthalmia
- wclerophthalmia
- sxlerophthalmia
- svlerophthalmia
- sflerophthalmia
- sdlerophthalmia
- sckerophthalmia
- scperophthalmia
- scoerophthalmia
- sclwrophthalmia
- sclsrophthalmia
- scldrophthalmia
- sclrrophthalmia
- scl4rophthalmia
- scl3rophthalmia
- scleeophthalmia
Etymology of SCLEROPHTHALMIA
The term "sclerophthalmia" is a medical term that combines two Greek roots: "sclero" and "ophthalmia".
1. "Sclero" (σκληρός) comes from the Greek word "sklēros", meaning "hard" or "hardened". It is often used in medical terminology to refer to conditions that involve hardening of tissues.
2. "Ophthalmia" (οφθαλμία) comes from the Greek word "ophthalmos", which means "eye". It is commonly used in medical terms related to eye-related conditions or diseases.
Combining these roots, "sclerophthalmia" refers to a medical condition involving the hardening or thickening of eye tissues.
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