Trabeculoplasty is a medical procedure that is used to treat glaucoma. The word is spelled using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA) as /ˌtræbɪˈkjuːləplæsti/. The first three letters "tra" represent the prefix indicating "across", while "beculo" means "beam" and "plasty" means "surgical repair". Therefore, trabeculoplasty refers to the surgical repair of the eye's trabecular meshwork or the beams that filter fluid out of the eye. Accurate spelling of medical terms is crucial to ensure clear communication between healthcare professionals.
Trabeculoplasty is a medical procedure used to treat glaucoma, a group of eye conditions that can cause damage to the optic nerve and result in vision loss. Specifically, trabeculoplasty targets open-angle glaucoma, the most common type of this condition.
During trabeculoplasty, a laser is used to make tiny, evenly spaced burns on the trabecular meshwork, a drainage structure located in the eye. The trabecular meshwork plays a crucial role in regulating the fluid pressure inside the eye. By making these burns, the laser stimulates the meshwork, increasing its ability to drain the fluid and reducing the pressure build-up.
There are two main types of trabeculoplasty: argon laser trabeculoplasty (ALT) and selective laser trabeculoplasty (SLT). ALT uses an argon laser, while SLT utilizes a specialized laser that targets only specific cells, minimizing damage to surrounding tissue.
Trabeculoplasty is generally an outpatient procedure that can be performed in an eye clinic or office setting. It is typically recommended when other conservative treatment options, such as medication, have failed to adequately control intraocular pressure.
While trabeculoplasty can effectively lower eye pressure and reduce the risk of vision loss, its effects may diminish over time. Repeat procedures or additional treatments may be necessary to maintain control of glaucoma. Close follow-up with an ophthalmologist is essential to monitor the progress and manage the condition effectively.
The word "Trabeculoplasty" consists of two main parts - "trabeculo-" and "-plasty".
The term "trabeculo-" is derived from the Latin word "trabecula", meaning "a little beam or strut". In medical terminology, it refers to the thin fibers or strands found in various bodily structures, particularly in lattice-like patterns. In the context of the eye, trabeculae refer to the thin strands of tissue in the drainage angle of the eye responsible for the outflow of aqueous humor.
The suffix "-plasty" is also derived from Greek, meaning "surgical repair" or "reshaping". It is widely used in medical terminology to indicate procedures involving surgical alteration or reconstruction of a specific body part.