Therapeutic iridectomy is a medical procedure where a part of the iris is surgically removed to treat diseases such as glaucoma. The word "iridectomy" is pronounced [ɪrɪˈdɛktəmi], with the stress on the second syllable. The "i" is pronounced like the vowel in "bit," the "r" sound is rolled, and the "t" sound at the end is pronounced clearly. "Therapeutic" is pronounced [ˌθɛrəˈpjutɪk], with secondary stress on the third syllable. The "th" is pronounced like in "thin," and the "t" sound in the middle is not pronounced.
Therapeutic iridectomy is a medical procedure involving the surgical removal of a portion of the iris. The iris is the colored part of the eye that surrounds the pupil and controls the amount of light that enters the eye. This procedure is typically performed to treat certain eye conditions and diseases, mainly those that affect the drainage system of the eye.
One of the main reasons for performing a therapeutic iridectomy is to reduce intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients who are diagnosed with narrow-angle glaucoma or acute angle-closure glaucoma. These conditions occur when the drainage angle between the cornea and iris becomes blocked, causing a sudden increase in IOP which can lead to vision loss and severe eye pain.
During the procedure, the surgeon creates a small hole or removes a section of the iris to allow fluid to flow more easily through the eye's drainage system, thus reducing IOP and preventing further damage to the optic nerve. Therapeutic iridectomy is typically performed under local anesthesia, and surgery can be done using traditional surgical techniques or through the use of lasers.
Although therapeutic iridectomy is considered a relatively safe and effective procedure, it may carry some risks, including infection, bleeding, damage to adjacent structures in the eye, and changes in vision or appearance of the eye. Therefore, this procedure is only performed when the benefits outweigh the potential risks, and it is important for patients to consult with an ophthalmologist to discuss their specific case and determine if therapeutic iridectomy is the appropriate treatment option.
One performed for the prevention or cure of disease in the eye, glaucoma, for example.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "therapeutic iridectomy" is composed of two main parts: "therapeutic" and "iridectomy".
1. "Therapeutic" is derived from the Greek word "therapeutikos", which means "healing" or "curing". It comes from the Greek verb "therapeuein", meaning "to attend" or "to treat".
2. "Iridectomy" is formed by combining two Greek roots: "iris", meaning "rainbow" or "colored part of the eye", and "ektomḗ", meaning "excision" or "removal". An "iridectomy" is a surgical procedure involving the removal of a portion of the iris.
Thus, the term "therapeutic iridectomy" describes a medical intervention where a part of the iris is surgically removed for therapeutic purposes.