Tectonic keratoplasty is a surgical procedure that involves the transplantation of a new, larger piece of cornea in order to repair severe or perforating corneal damage. The phonetic spelling of this word is [tek-ton-ik ker-uh-toh-plas-tee], with the primary stress on the second syllable of "keratoplasty." The word "tectonic" refers to the large scale shifting and movement of Earth's crust, while "keratoplasty" comes from the Greek words for "cornea" and "forming" or "shaping." The spelling of this term reflects its complex and specialized nature as a medical procedure.
Tectonic keratoplasty refers to a surgical procedure that involves the transplantation or replacement of a portion of the cornea (clear, dome-shaped tissue covering the front of the eye) to strengthen or stabilize the eye's structure. The term "tectonic" derives from the Greek word "tektōn," meaning builder or architect, emphasizing the reconstructive aspect of the procedure.
The surgery is typically performed in cases where the integrity or structure of the cornea has been compromised due to severe injuries, infections, or other pathologies. Tectonic keratoplasty aims to reinforce the cornea by grafting a suitable donor tissue onto the affected area, essentially forming a structural support or "tectonic" reinforcement for the eye.
During the procedure, the damaged or weakened corneal tissue is carefully removed, and a healthy donor cornea graft is transplanted and sutured in place. The grafted tissue acts as a scaffold, providing stability and support to the eye, enabling it to maintain its shape and function.
Tectonic keratoplasty is commonly performed by ophthalmologists with specialized training in corneal surgery. The procedure's success depends on factors such as the patient's overall ocular health, the availability and compatibility of suitable donor tissues, and the expertise of the surgeon.
By employing tectonic keratoplasty, ophthalmologists can address corneal deformities, perforations, or thinning that may threaten the eye's structural integrity, preserving vision and preventing further complications.
See keratoplasty.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "tectonic keratoplasty" is derived from two terms: "tectonic" and "keratoplasty".
1. Tectonic: The term "tectonic" comes from the Greek word "tektonikos", meaning "pertaining to building or construction". In medical terminology, "tectonic" refers to reconstructive or structural procedures related to the body's organs or tissues.
2. Keratoplasty: The term "keratoplasty" is also from the Greek language, combining "kerato" (meaning "cornea") and "plastos" (meaning "formed" or "molded"). In medicine, "keratoplasty" refers to a surgical procedure involving the cornea, which is the transparent outermost layer of the eye.