Synechia is a word used in medical terms to describe the adhesion of the iris to the cornea or the lens of the eye. The spelling of synechia is not intuitive, but it can be understood through the IPA phonetic transcription. The first syllable "syn" is pronounced like "sin" /sɪn/, followed by the second syllable "echia" pronounced like "kia" /kiːə/. Therefore, synechia can be pronounced as /sɪnkiːə/. It is important for medical professionals to understand the correct spelling and pronunciation of synechia to effectively communicate with their colleagues and patients.
Synechia is a noun that refers to the abnormal adhesion or fusion of tissues or organs within the body. It is derived from the Greek word "synécheia," which literally means "a sticking together." This medical term is commonly used to describe the formation of scar tissue that causes the adherence or sticking together of adjacent structures, primarily in the eyes.
In ophthalmology, synechia typically pertains to adhesions that occur between the iris and other structures within the eye, such as the lens or cornea. These adhesions can impede the normal functioning of the eye, often resulting in vision impairment or other ocular complications. Synechia can be caused by various factors, including previous eye surgeries, trauma, inflammation, or certain eye disorders such as iritis or uveitis.
The symptoms of synechia depend on the severity and location of the adhesions. Common signs may include blurred vision, eye pain, sensitivity to light (photophobia), and changes in iris color or shape. Treatment for synechia usually involves addressing the underlying cause and may include pharmacological interventions, such as eye drops or oral medications, to reduce inflammation and prevent further adhesion formation. In some cases, surgical procedures may be necessary to separate or release the adhesions and restore proper ocular function.
Any adhesion; specifically adhesion of the iris to the cornea (anterior s.) or to the capsule of the lens (posterior s.).
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
In med., a disease of the eye in which the iris adheres to the cornea, or to the capsule of the crystalline lens.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "synechia" is derived from the Greek word "synecheia", which means "adhesion" or "union". It comes from the combination of two words: "syn" meaning "together" or "with", and "echō" meaning "to hold" or "to have". In medical terminology, "synechia" refers to an abnormal adhesion or union of tissues, particularly within the eye where it can occur between different structures.